JOHN DAY RIVER (Oregon)

Small Rapids on the John Day River

General Description & Characteristics -- Of all the rivers featured on our site, the John Day has the most serious white water rapids.  It is a solid class II run with one class III rapid. However, it is the longest undammed river in the Pacific northwest, and one of the most popular long canoe runs in this part of the country, so we could not resist the urge to include it in our collection.  If you have some basic whitewater skills, read on.

While Oregon is known for its moist and spectacularly beautiful coastal region, the John Day is in the desert region of north central Oregon. The river was named for an early trapper who had a lot of trouble with the local Indians.  The John Day flows through dramatic basalt canyons and rugged ranch land. Other than the ranching activities, this is remote country, and much of the river has been designated under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.

Location & Canoeable Mileage -- The 115 mile section from Service Creek (highway 19) to highway 206 is the most suitable long run on the John Day. The flow of the John Day is decidedly seasonal, with good flow in winter through May or June, becoming very low in late summer and fall.  The cold winter temperatures in this area lead us to suggest that April-June is the best time to run the John Day, though April can be cold up here. At spring flow levels, 20 mile days will be relatively easy, unless you spend a lot of time in (or walking around) the rapids.

Interesting Features -- Many fun class I rapids. Class II rapids should be checked out by open canoeists before running. The class III Clarno rapids, 4 miles below the highway 218 bridge, or about mile 50 of this entire trip, is preceded by a series of class II rapids before a left turn. Get out before the class II on the left to scout or to line the boats. More class II below this for about a half mile.

Fascinating geological formations abound along the river. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is in this region.

Camping -- Campsites are plentiful, on the many sandbars. Camping near the bridges may be difficult.

Additional Information:

Canoeing Information	John Day National Recreational River. The Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District, PO Box 550, Prineville, Oregon 97754 administers the river. They have published an excellent map.
Canoe Rental/Shuttle Service	List of Outfitters and other area establishments
River Flow Data	John Day at Service Creek If you have difficulty obtaining data from this link, CLICK HERE
Parks on/near the River	John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Towns/Other Locales on/near the River
Books	Soggy Sneakers: a Guide to Oregon Rivers A River Lost : The Life and Death of the Columbia -- You won't be floating the Columbia, but you will be in the vicinity, and might find this interesting!
More Pictures	A site with excellent pictures of the John Day River canyon, and many scenic vistas in Oregon.
Environmental Issues/Organizations
Acknowledgments/Contributors	James E Hanley, Eugene, OR Norton Smith
Miscellaneous	Lower Columbia Canoe Club

Northwest Locator Map