The Canoe Canal is where we offer hourly rentals. Our location is right on the water’s edge. We feel lucky to set up our rental location on the best beach the canal has to offer. Quite possibly the most interesting paddle in Lane County is the 2 1/2 mile long Canoe Canal.  Located in the heart of Eugene this waterway is convenient with many places to access the water.  It is located within Alton Baker Park, Eastgate Woodlands and Whilamut Natural Area.  These parks all combine to protect the land making for great wildlife habitat.  The canal is beginner friendly as it offers a sheltered paddling experience.  Come experience it for yourself.

From our put-in location (red icon on the map) people paddle upstream/East to begin the tour. The current is so light that it’s not difficult to paddle up. After about 20 minutes there is a portage. This is where people get out and carry the boat for about 20 yards to get above the small dam (between the stadium and the dog park). From there the waterway continues for quite a distance (approximately a mile and a quarter) all the way up to I-5 where there is another dam. I-5 is off the map you see here, until you scroll to the East. At this point the majority of groups choose to turn around and paddle back downstream to the put-in location. It is open and beautifully woodsy above I-5 for another 1/3 mile. The current is a bit more channelized and swift up in this section though, so be ready to keep paddling! At the top of the canal there is dead end and you will not end up on the Whilamut river. It requires a 40 yard portage to get to the river “where the river ripples and runs fast”.

If you make it all the way to the Whilamut Passage Bridge (I-5) you will be rewarded with an amazing canoe mural. It depicts the local Kalapuya Native Americans skillfully navigating the rapids of the Whilamut River. Photos below…