Launch Permits for the John Day River

Updated: February 22, 2013

General Permit Information for All Permits

• An online launch permit is required to boat all river segments year-round on the mainstem downstream of Kimberly, and the North Fork downstream of Dale
• One launch permit is required per group, with a maximum group size of 16 persons
• Each permit is issued for a specific river segment and launch date
• Permits for some seasons and segments are limited (see below)
• Trip leader may list one alternate trip leader at the time of reservation
• Trip leader or alternate is required to present printed permit and photo ID at the launch , and be present on the entire trip
• Each person may be named as a trip leader or an alternate trip leader on a maximum of one overnight and three day-use permits at a time
• Minimum age for a trip leader or alternate trip leader is 13 years
• All permits are issued on-line as they become available; there is no lottery, no waiting list, and no permits are issued by phone
• No fees will be charged for boating in 2013

To get at permit you will need:

• Desired launch point and launch date
• Desired take-out point and date
• Address and birthdate of trip leader and alternate (if listing an alternate)
• Vehicle license plate number at take-out (may be updated at the launch)

Limited Seasons and Segments

ONLINE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED

• May 20 to July 10 in Segment 2 and 3, for both day-use and overnight trips (applies to trips launching between Service Creek and Cottonwood, or floating past Service Creek from upstream within this date range).

Priest Hole Exception: For short day-trips taking place completely within Priest Hole Recreation Site (a distance of one mile between River Mile 136.5 and 137.5), self-issue permits are unlimited and may be obtained at Priest Hole.

Launch limits are designed to reduce crowding and ensure that overnight boating groups are able to find a suitable campsite on public land each night of their trip.

Approximately one half of the launch permits available for each date during the high use season (May 20 to July 10) will be released on March 1 at 7 A.M. PT. The second half of the launch permits will be released on May 1 at 7 A.M. PT. Once all launch permits for a specific date have been issued, launch permits often become available closer to the trip date when:

1. A trip leader cancels a permit
2. BLM cancels a permit that was obtained by fraudulent means
3. A permit is automatically re-deposited if not confirmed by the confirmation deadline; 10 days prior to the trip date

All permits are issued on-line as they become available. There is no lottery, no waiting list, and no permits are issued by phone.

Unlimited Seasons and Segments

ONLINE PERMITS ARE REQUIRED AND UNLIMITED

• July 11 to May 19 in Segment 2 and 3 (between Service Creek and Cottonwood)
• Year-round in Segment 1 (downstream of Cottonwood), and Segment 4 (upstream of Service Creek)
• Year-round on all segments of the North Fork John Day River
• Year-round for short day-trips taking place completely within Priest Hole Recreation Site (a distance of one mile between River Mile 136.5 and 137.5). Self-issue permits are obtained on-site at Priest Hole.

How to Get a Permit

• Step 1 - Check the calendar for availability and reserve your permit online
• Step 2 - Confirm your permit online between 10 and 30 days before your trip (we will send you two reminder notices)
• Step 3 - Print your permit and present it at the launch point with a photo ID