Category Archives: Events on the River

Celebrate a McKenzie River Tradition

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Each spring, the McKenzie River comes alive with one of its most cherished traditions—the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Eagle Rock Lodge, bringing together boat builders, guides, anglers, and river enthusiasts for a day dedicated to the history and culture of the McKenzie.

The day begins upriver with a boat parade launching from Finn Rock Boat Landing at 9:00 a.m. A collection of old and new wooden drift boats will make their way downstream to Eagle Rock Lodge, offering a unique opportunity to witness these iconic vessels in motion. Attendees can choose to participate in the float or simply gather at the lodge to watch the boats arrive along the riverbank.

Once ashore, the festival continues with a variety of activities that highlight the traditions and stewardship of the McKenzie River. Visitors can explore a display of handcrafted wooden boats, watch live fly-tying demonstrations, and learn more about the river’s history and ongoing conservation efforts. The event also provides a chance to connect with members of the local guiding community and others who share a deep connection to the river.

The festival is free to attend, with optional lunch tickets available for purchase. Proceeds from food sales and merchandise benefit the McKenzie River Guides Association (MRGA), supporting initiatives such as our nationally-recognized life jacket loaner program, fish planting in partnership with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and maintenance of local boat landings. MRGA merchandise will also be available, along with complimentary stickers and patches while supplies last.

The McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival reflects a tradition that spans more than a century, rooted in craftsmanship, community, and care for the river. For those who appreciate time on the water—whether rowing, fishing, or simply relaxing—it offers a meaningful way to celebrate the season and support the people who help preserve this place.

Bring friends and family, and spend the day along the river enjoying one of the McKenzie’s most enduring traditions.

Leroy Pruitt

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REPOST FROM SHELLY PRUITT
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July 1, 2018

We all lost a great man yesterday. Leroy Pruitt, Christian, Father, husband and my best friend. He was peaceful, kind and loving to those he cared for. For over 29 years we were married. We always talked, listened and respected each other. Worked hard and had fun. He paved the way for a lot of people to create a life they loved in the outdoors, myself included, a fisherman, horseman and “Real life Cowboy” he lived life to the fullest and on his own terms but never had regrets nor treated people with out respect, not always agreeing with their point of view, but giving them the respect to disagree. Many people ask me why I would marry a man 30 years older than me, he brought me to Jesus and I learned that life is eternal so years didn’t matter. Love is love. That is what we knew love. He prepared me for today, we talked and listened to each other , still a hard day, but in time things will work out. I will just “cowgirl up” and move forward as I promised him. Roy didn’t want any kind of service, if the family decides to for once over ride his desires we’ll let you know.

2017 Wooden Boat Festival April 22nd

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This weekend join us at the 2017 Wooden Boat Festival at Eagle Rock Lodge. This is the 12th annual gathering of people that love wooden boats and their history. McKenzie Guides will offer a lunch as fundraiser for our lifejacket borrow program that makes PFD’s available for free to anyone that needs one to use while on the white water of the McKenzie River.