River's Touch

River's Touch Drift boats and river dories: how to know them, how to model and build them and how to use them.

The River's Touch focuses on drift boat history, design, construction and the people who build and use them. Avaialble at the River's Touch are boat plans, scaled models of the original boats, drift boat coffee table and furniture, story telling and occasionalt bits of humor. The River's Touch is the brainchild of Roger Fletcher, a person known nationally and internationally as the person who recovers drift boats and river dories that have been lost to time.

I’m at it again, coordinating another boatbuilding workshop for the McKenzie River Discovery Center.From November 30–Dec...
08/17/2026

I’m at it again, coordinating another boatbuilding workshop for the McKenzie River Discovery Center.
From November 30–December 10, master boatbuilder Jayson Hayes will lead an immersive workshop building two classic McKenzie Guide Boats from the ground up—in legendary guide Roy Pruitt’s Vida workshop.
Created especially for fishing guides, aspiring guides and serious river runners, the workshop offers hands-on participation in every stage of construction. No previous boatbuilding experience is required, though intermediate woodworking skills and familiarity with tools are recommended.
One participant, chosen by drawing, may take home a completed boat for the cost of its materials and preparation.
Details and registration go live Wednesday, August 19:
https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/

Build a McKenziac. From loft to launch.If you saw the three McKenziacs—and met their builders—at last weekend’s boat fes...
04/28/2026

Build a McKenziac. From loft to launch.

If you saw the three McKenziacs—and met their builders—at last weekend’s boat festival, you know the draw. Now step inside the process.

July 12–17 on the McKenzie, the McKenzie River Discovery Center offers a true hands-on workshop. You won’t just watch—you’ll shape, fit, and bring a classic to life.

Inspired by early riverboat peioneers—Torkel Kaarhus, Veltie Pruitt, and Prince Helfrich—and crafted by Fretwater Boatworks, the McKenziac is built for skill, fun, and time on the water.

Two participants will take a finished boat home (by drawing, at cost of materials).

Spots are limited. The work is real. The reward lasts.

👉 https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/building-the-mckenziac/

04/23/2026

On April 21, 1932, a unique Baby was born -- with a set of oars in his hands, much to the chagrin of his mother. Extending fondest birthday wishes to the Little Guy, and much appreciation to his Mom and Dad. I think of him often.

This Saturday, April 25—join me at the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival at Eagle Rock Lodge. Dozens of classic wooden...
04/21/2026

This Saturday, April 25—join me at the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival at Eagle Rock Lodge. Dozens of classic wooden drift boats, river dories, and the people behind them—all in one place.

Stop by the McKenzie River Discovery Center booth and workshop display to explore our upcoming hands-on boatbuilding classes—and check out a unique piece of McKenzie River history.

At the McKenzie River Discovery Center booth at the April 25 Wooden Boat Festival at Eagle Rock Lodge, don’t miss a stri...
04/15/2026

At the McKenzie River Discovery Center booth at the April 25 Wooden Boat Festival at Eagle Rock Lodge, don’t miss a striking rendition of Veltie Pruitt’s 1928 board-and-batten boat—the very style he and Prince Helfrich used to explore Oregon’s wild rivers beyond the McKenzie.

Built for portability and quick maneuvering, it captures the grit and daring of the two early river runners who pushed into untamed waters with skill and nerve.

Even better, this boat has its own story—
🔹 Built in 2015 by Ben Kahn and students at the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding
🔹 Based on original plans from "Drift Boats and River Dories"
🔹 A living tribute to Oregon’s river heritage

Come see it up close, meet the people keeping the craft alive, and feel the spirit of the river.

History. Craft. Adventure. Stories —all in one place.

McKenzie River Drift Boat Festival – April 25 from 10:00 to 4:00 at Eagle Rock Lodge -- for both drift boat aficionados,...
04/09/2026

McKenzie River Drift Boat Festival – April 25 from 10:00 to 4:00 at Eagle Rock Lodge -- for both drift boat aficionados, the wannabes and the curious. See the boats, meet the builders, learn of upcoming boat building workshops, meet the instructors, and enjoy a McKenzie Guides Association lunch. Looking forward to seeing you there . . .
For more info -https://oregonsboat.org/boatshow

I’m coordinating two 5½-day boat-building workshops this summer for the McKenzie River Discovery Center. Take a look:Bui...
03/05/2026

I’m coordinating two 5½-day boat-building workshops this summer for the McKenzie River Discovery Center. Take a look:

Build two McKenziacs — July 12–17
A freshwater adaptation of the McKenzie River drift boat — a solo, sporty craft designed to run your favorite water with a wink and a grin.
Details & registration:
https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/building-the-mckenziac/

Build the Open Chub — July 19–24
A popular adaptation of the Briggs dory — a Colorado classic built for family fun, fishing, and river exploration. Details & registration:
https://www.mckenziediscoverycenter.org/product/building-the-open-chub-river-dory/

Also in the works:
A Fall or Winter workshop — a 10–12 day build-from-scratch of the legendary McKenzie River Guide Boat (the classic 16.5' × 50" guide model). Details and registration to be announced later this Spring.

The purpose of this post was to announce open registration for a Fall Doryak class at the McKenzie River Discovery Cente...
04/12/2025

The purpose of this post was to announce open registration for a Fall Doryak class at the McKenzie River Discovery Center. Taught by the Fretwater crew of Cricket Zarn, Brad Dimock and Glade Zarn, this is an intense, two-week, hands on boat build from lofting to launching. The registration info went live this Wednesday, April 9. The CLASS WAS FULL by 7:00 a.m. April 11. The renaissance of WOOD river dories is hot!

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2353 E Ellendale Avenue
Dallas, OR
97338

Telephone

+15035590204

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