John Day

This is a great stretch of canyon: a true gem.

We ran it between 2500-3000k, second week of June, 2017 over five days. Great current at that level and fish were still caught. There were some rough upstream breezes on most days, especially later in the afternoon.

Everyone says that you can't drink the water and that you have to bring all of it. Not true. With alum crystal settling techniques (like they use in the Grand Canyon), a carbon filter on your water purification device, and a few drops of iodine, you are good to go. None of our 16 guys had any gut issues, and the water tasted fine.

Hammocking can be done, but can be a bit challenging at a couple of camps.

Enjoy!

Ran this section the first week of June. The level was 3800 cfs which was a very nice level. The first day we had very strong upriver winds all day but the rest of the trip we only had intermittent winds mostly late in the day. One day after pulling into camp we ended up getting about three hours of moderate rain, we were sitting under the canopy enjoying a cocktail and a 20 foot section of the columnar basalt on the opposite side of the river fell off the wall broke into three pieces and into the river. Wow! How often do you get to see that? Also observed many Big Horn Seep. This is a must do trip if you have done this one before. If your looking for white-water you will be disappointed. If your looking for an awesome five day scenery trip then the John Day is for you.

The take-out at Cottonwood on the downstream river right side of the bridge.
The take-out at Cottonwood is on the downstream river right side of the bridge.

The lower canyons of the John Day feature some outstanding examples of columnar basalt.
Columnar basalt on the John Day River.
Hundreds of cliff swallow nests can be seen hanging from basalt columns along the John Day River.
The Palisades on the John Day River at river mile 66.6.

A unique geologic formation visible on the John Day at river mile 60.

The John Day has some great hiking opportunities along the river where you can climb up for a view. This is the view looking downstream from above the camp at river mile 55.4 across from Little Ferry Canyon.

On the first few miles of this run the river passes through ranch land.
Ranch on the John Day River.
At Basalt Rapids you can take the line down the middle or sneak the main rapid by aiming for the narrow chute between the boulder and the left bank.
Below Basalt Rapids more mid-channel boulders create fun hydraulics at higher flows.

The ramp is located on the downstream river right side of the bridge.
At higher flows the rocks are well covered and there are some good-sized hydraulics but if you take the time to scout you can find the line.
Coming around the corner just downstream of Clarno Rapid.
At high flows there is an easy line down the left that sets you up for the eddy to scout Lower Clarno.

This is a nice run @ 3700.

View from Hoot Owl rock

Upstream of Clarno put in

Be on the lookout for these guys