From its headwaters to Camas Creek, the North Fork of the John Day River is one of the most important rivers in northeast Oregon for the production of anadromous fish. Wildlife found along the river's corridor include mule deer, elk, and black bears, along with peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Recreation opportunitie…
From its headwaters to Camas Creek, the North Fork of the John Day River is one of the most important rivers in northeast Oregon for the production of anadromous fish. Wildlife found along the river's corridor include mule deer, elk, and black bears, along with peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, sightseeing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, camping, and whitewater rafting.The John Day River system is fortunate to have designation under two important river preservation programs: the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Oregon Scenic Waterways Act. Together, these two acts, one a federal program and one a state program, provide the best protection available today for the natural, scenic, and recreational values of our river environments.Know Before You GoPermits: An online boating permit is required year-round to boat the John Day Wild and Scenic River between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls. Permits can only be obtained on recreation.gov, which offers a site for John Day River Day Use Permits and John Day River Overnight Permits.Carry Out Human Waste: On overnight trips, all boaters are required to carry and use a leak-proof, portable, reusable toilet system to remove solid human waste from the river canyon. The toilet must be large enough to service the entire party for the complete length of the trip. Toilets using plastic bags are not acceptable, with the exception of the Wag Bag or similar human waste pouch designed for this purpose, which are permitted. Used Wag Bags must be transported in a leak-proof container. River toilet dump stations are not available at the takeouts. Dumpsters are provided at Clarno and Cottonwood during high season. A list of RV dump stations is posted on BLM bulletin boards. Disposing of Wag Bags in a river toilet dump station or vault toilet is prohibited.For more information about the John Day River including what to know before you go, please visit: John Day Wi
Photos
Double rainbow on the John Day Wild and Scenic River — BLM OregonWinter solstice morning on the Wild and Scenic John Day River, as it winds through Cottonwood Canyon — Greg Shine, BLM OregonJohn Day Wild and Scenic River — Bob Wick, BLMRock Creek Recreation Site on the John Day Wild and Scenic River — Greg Shine, BLM Oregon
How to Get There
Service Creek: From Prineville, Oregon, take US-26 east out of town and drive 46.5 miles to OR-207 N. Turn left and drive 23.5 miles. Service Creek Campground and boat launch will be on the right.Clarno: From Prineville, Oregon, take US-26 north out of town and drive 30 miles to US-97. Turn right and stay on US-97 for 19.5 miles. Turn right on OR-293 and proceed 13.6 miles to OR-218 and turn right continuing another 15 miles to the Clarno Boat Launch on the left (north) side of the highway.
Heading to John Day Wild and Scenic River? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for John Day Wild and Scenic River?
Yes — reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Popular sites fill quickly, especially weekends and holidays. Book up to 6 months in advance.
How do I get to John Day Wild and Scenic River?
Service Creek: From Prineville, Oregon, take US-26 east out of town and drive 46.5 miles to OR-207 N. Turn left and drive 23.5 miles. Service Creek Campground and boat launch will be on the right.Clarno: From Prineville, Oregon, take US-26 north out of town and drive 30 miles to US-97. Turn right and stay on US-97 for 19.5 miles. Turn right on OR-293 and proceed 13.6 miles to OR-218 and turn right…
How do I contact John Day Wild and Scenic River?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-416-6700 or email: [email protected].
