John Day, OR

John Day rafting

John Day rafting
Photo by Thomas O'Keefe © taken 2008-05-25 @ 7800 cfs

Gauge Information

River Description

The John Day is one of the great river trips of the West which takes you down one of our nation's longest undammed rivers. Designated a Wild and Scenic River the 70 mile section from Clarno to Cottonwood passes through remote canyon country with great camping and spectacular scenic vistas. This section is closed to jet boat use at all times (areas upstream and downstream are open to jet boats from October to April). Good weather and dependable flows make May and June the most popular time to float the river. Lower flows, hot weather, and canyon winds tend to keep folks away in summer but you can still get down the river in an inflatable kayak or canoe.

The river has less challenging rapids than nearby rivers like the Deschutes or Grande Ronde but the spectacular scenery makes this a great river trip with opportunities for hiking and exploring the canyons. Two named rapids are Clarno Rapid and Basalt Rapids. Clarno is 5 miles from the put-in and rates class III/IV with some big waves and a hole to avoid at high flows and rocks to navigate at lower flows. As long as you are paying attention, the rapid is easy to scout from river left. Marking the entrance to the canyons where you leave the ranch land, Basalt Rapids is class II. Most of the ranch country comes in the first few miles but there are parcels of private land along the length of the river.

The river is popular for fishing with the largest populations of wild spring chinook salmon and summer steelhead remaining in the Columbia River system. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish are non-native but support a vibrant fishery in the lower river.

Logistics: It's a good idea to bring plenty of water on the trip. The river water contains suspended sediment, algae, bacteria, and agricultural chemicals but there are a few springs along the way.Group size is limited to 16 people. Fire pans are required and no fires of any kind are allowed from June 1 to October 1. You will also need a toilet system to carry out your waste. Self issue permits are available at river access points and are required year around. Check out the BLM John Day web page for information on this run including current regulations. The BLM also publishes the John Day Recreation Guide which has detailed river maps. These maps are helpful as they clearly note public lands including the Wilderness Study Areas that provide the highest quality opportunities for off-river hikes and exploration.