My trip today led me to the Alton Baker Canoe Canal. It is located in Eugene, Oregon within the Alton Baker Park Eastgate Woodlands and the Whilamut Natural Area. It is a side channel of the Willamette River. And, as you can see from the photo above, it runs alongside Autzen Stadium (University of Oregon football stadium).
I launched from the parking lot directly across from the football stadium. It is referred to as the canoe launch. Word to the wise – arrive early in the day! This parking area is very small and access to the canal is the width of one parking space. It is best to unload your kayak and gear and then quickly move your vehicle allowing others to use the same area.
Of all the places I’ve gone to kayak so far, this location had the worst launch area.
This time of the year, it was a big muddy mess. There was a lot of standing water on top of the grass area and the dirt areas were all mud. In addition, the “launching” area was equally bad. There is no dock or ramp. The launch area was a small dirt/grassy section with at least a foot drop down to the water. The edges here are rough and not easily maneuverable. It’s a lot easier to have another person with you who can hold your kayak as you traverse the rough terrain. Despite my best efforts to enter my kayak gracefully, I ended up falling into the water (that was a first).
Despite the rough beginning, it ended up being a fantastic place to kayak. Once I entered the water, I turned left (kayaking westward). You’re paddling against the current. However, it’s not very strong and very easy to maneuver!
One of my first encounters was the above pictured tree, chewed up by resident beavers. It was cool to see. As I continued my journey, I couldn’t help but to take photos of the beautiful sky. The sun shined brightly and was accented by clouds. It was gorgeous. The scenery all along the canal was very beautiful. And I especially enjoyed the wildlife I encountered.
My next trip to the canal, I will be bringing duck food with me. (Please don’t feed the ducks & geese bread – it’s terrible for them!) All of the wildlife I encountered was obviously very used to people frequenting “their” water as they didn’t even budge as I paddled alongside of them. I especially loved the Canadian Geese I encountered, they were so majestic looking.
There’s a small outlet along the canal where folks live in very huge homes along the water’s edge. It was here that I saw the “bird” houses. One was occupied by the above sleeping owl. I sat beneath him in my kayak, talking to the gals with me, and the owl never woke up! He was very cool to look at.
One of the nice features of the canal is that it’s “laid back.” Everything seemed so settled and comfortable. I found myself paddling slowly and truly enjoying everything there was to look at.
I traversed as far westward as possible. And then turned around and headed back. I went all the way back to where I had entered the water and continued my journey eastward. It is then that you paddle right in front of Autzen Stadium. It was very cool to look at. I can’t even imagine how packed and noisy this whole area gets during home football games. Yikes!
Anyway, I stopped at the first “waterfall” looking area. It is a man-made cascade that helps to regulate water levels. There is a place to exit and carry your kayak down to the next section of water, but no one in my group wanted to continue eastward. So, that became my turn around spot.
The first picture above shows that point. The second photo shows the furthest westerly spot where I turned around. As I mentioned, you can exit and walk around them, but no one I was with wanted to – next time!
Despite the difficult area to enter and exit my kayak, this was an awesome trip! It is always so much fun to see what lays ahead!
2024 – Kayak Trip #2
Have you ever encountered any unexpected or unusual wildlife while kayaking in the Alton Baker Canoe Canal? If so, what was your experience like and how did it add to the adventure?”,
“refusal
I’ve only kayaked the Alton Baker Canoe Canal one time thus far. It was a great kayaking spot. I typically do much longer adventures, but it was definitely worth it! I loved all of the wildlife! The ducks weren’t even afraid – they just go about whatever they’re doing and ignore you. We were lucky enough to find a sleeping owl in one of the wood birdhouses across from the homes on the water. I recommend everyone go at least one time as it’s so different than most of the paddling adventures I embark on.
Thanks for a helpful description of your trip. However I can tell you as a long time Eugene resident that you have East and West reversed for the entire post.
We entered the canal across from the University of Oregon football stadium and turned left – going westward. I think most people enter the canal at the dock area further eastward on the canal. But, we explored the westward end. My directions are correct. Thanks for reading!