Recreational values are determined to be outstandingly remarkable with a draw from local and out-of-area visitors who appreciate the subject river segment both for the recreational opportunities it offers, and for its “gateway” distinction to the fuller stretch of water-based recreational opportunities available within the middle and upper reaches of the McKenzie River corridor. The McKenzie River segment B includes many travel and tourism amenities such as an information center, cafes/restaurants, markets, and fuel businesses that cater to out-of-area visitors. Additionally, multiple private lodging accommodations are located within easy travel distance to the lower McKenzie River segment. In addition, a robust community of commercial rafting and fishing guides are available to provide varying levels of service to visitors wishing to float and/or fish the river corridor. 

The McKenzie Watershed supports resident populations of rainbow trout (McKenzie redsides), cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, and numerous non-salmonids such as sculpins, dace, shiners, suckers, stickleback, and occasionally sturgeon. The basin is also an important spawning/rearing area for anadromous spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead trout. Upper Willamette Spring Chinook salmon in the McKenzie River has the most natural run of Spring Chinook Salmon. The three migratory types have been documented in the McKenzie River subbasin, which is the most natural system remaining in the Willamette Basin, and are representative of other spring Chinook populations in the Columbia Basin.

The McKenzie Watershed supports a wide variety of wildlife species. Of the species known or suspected to occur, there are 3 ESA-listed or candidate species, 14 BLM Sensitive species, and 8 Species of Concern under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Prominent among these are the Northern spotted owl, Oregon red tree vole, Pacific pond turtle, peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and harlequin duck. Additionally, this area supports a number of recreationally important species such as Roosevelt elk, blacktailed deer, mountain lion, and black bear. This segment also provides a habitat type (coniferous forest adjacent to a major river system) that is found nowhere else within the Upper Willamette Field Office. 

The Goodpasture Bridge is one of the most beautiful and most photographed covered bridges in the state. The classic architecture of this bridge is accentuated by Gothic style windows on both sides of the structure. At 165 feet, the span is the longest covered bridge in Oregon still in daily use. The Old Leaburg Fish Hatchery, located within the river corridor, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.