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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

Dayville, Oregon · Grant County

Descending from flanks of Eastern Oregon’s Aldrich and Ochoco mountains, 47 miles of the South Fork John Day River are designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Trout fishing and chukar hunting are just a sampling of the fish and wildlife opportunities abounding in the area.Know Before You GoRattlesnakes are common in the…

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About South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

Descending from flanks of Eastern Oregon’s Aldrich and Ochoco mountains, 47 miles of the South Fork John Day River are designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Trout fishing and chukar hunting are just a sampling of the fish and wildlife opportunities abounding in the area.Know Before You GoRattlesnakes are common in the canyon, especially during the summer months.Vehicle fuel is available in Dayville near the north end of the wild and scenic river.Check for local fire restrictions before building any campfire.Pack it in; pack it out at primitive campsites; no developed facilities are available.Point of InterestDrive the graveled South Fork John Day Back Country Byway which parallels the winding river, offering deep-canyon views of juniper woodlands and Ponderosa pine forests. The road offers easy access to primitive, dispersed camping sites.Interactive Video: 360° Dusk at the South Fork John Day River

How to Get There

From Dayville, Oregon: Drive 4.7 miles south on South Fork Road to the confluence of the South Fork John Day River with Smokey Creek. This is the northern terminus of the Wild and Scenic River segment.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

Heading to South Fork 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 South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River?

No central reservation system listed for South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16827) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River?

From Dayville, Oregon: Drive 4.7 miles south on South Fork Road to the confluence of the South Fork John Day River with Smokey Creek. This is the northern terminus of the Wild and Scenic River segment.

How do I contact South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River?

You can reach the park at phone: 541-416-6700 or email: BLM_OR_PR_Mail@blm.gov.