John Day River
The John Day River basin drains nearly 8,100 square miles of central and northeast Oregon. It is one of our nation’s longest free-flowing river systems. Elevations range from 265 feet at the confluence with the Columbia River to over 9,000 feet at the headwaters in the Strawberry Mountain Range.
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.
Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, sightseeing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, camping, and whitewater rafting.
Decision Record for John Day River Study Environmental Assessment (EA) Now Available
Attention Boaters
A permit is required to boat the John Day River. Please visit the John Day River Boating webpage for maps, water flow predictions, boating regulations, shuttle information, and information on how to obtain a boating permit for the 2012 season.
Navigability
The State Land Board asserted state ownership to the submerged and submersible land to the line of ordinary high water from River Mile 10 (Tumwater Falls) and 184 (Kimberly). For additional information contact the Department of State Lands at 503-378-3805 or visit the John Day Navigalbility Study.
Want to learn more about Oregon's forestry pilot projects?
Oregon State Office
Bureau of Land Management
333 S.W. 1st. Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
503-808-6002