John Day, N. Fork

There's a report of a river wide strainer downstream of Hayden and upstream of Camas Creek. You can avoid it by putting in at a Camas Creek. Locals have said it's been a windy year, so be on the look out for new wood post fire.

As of 4/16/2025, this stretch was clear of any river wide strainers. However, there are plenty of weakened trees that could fall into the river and some wood on the banks that could get flushed in. The area downstream of Skull Canyon burned hotter and camping in that area looks less inviting. Upstream of Skull Canyon there are plenty of benches. There are still weakened trees so just heads up. Downstream there are less trees in general and you can barely tell it burned once the terrain opens up.

A known river wide log is across the river near 44.997108°,-119.075933. Expect multiple logs across the river due to the recent burn. They could enter the system at any time. Please review the prior alert for more details.

The North Fork John Day River burned in the summer of 2024 (Battle Mountain Complex) from about Camas Creek to upstream of Monument. Expect river wide strainers, maybe a lot of them. This river tends to hold wood. Be aware of where you put your camp, looking out for weakened trees that could fall or potential floods/debris flow from side drainages especially after a heavy rain/wind.

A river wide log was reported by boaters on 4/6/24 between the upper put in near Tollbridge Campground and Hayden Creek. They said as long as you put in at or below Hayden Creek it can be avoided. Keep in mind it may flush at any time or there could be wood elsewhere.