Welcome To The John Day River Boating Website
March 1, 2021 Update: An online permit is required year-round to boat between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls. Permits to boat between May 1 - July 15 from Service Creek to Tumwater Falls MUST be obtained on recreation.gov, they are not available on the BLM Website. 50% of permits for trips May 1-July 15 were released March 1 at 7am PT. The remaining 50% will be released and available on recreation.gov on May 1 at 7am PT. Permits become available on recreation.gov when other groups cancel their trip.
For overnight permits go here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/621746
For day use permits go here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/621745
Permits to boat prior to May 1, 2021 are available here on the BLM website.
The Thirtymile Launch is not accessible by vehicle from Dec 1 - April 15, for the winter road closure.
Permit Process
Step 1: Click here, to find the day and location you want to launch.
Step 2: Click here, to fill out an application and reserve your spot on the river.
Step 3: Click here, to find your existing reservation to confirm, print or cancel your trip.
River Information