Maps and Guidebooks

April 8, 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 this 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 also become available on recreation.gov when other groups cancel their trip. At www.recreation.gov search for either John Day River Overnight Permits or John Day River Day Use Permits. Permits to boat before May 1, 2021 are available here on this BLM website. If you will still be boating between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls on May 1, a limited entry permit is also required from recreation.gov. The Thirtymile Launch is not accessible by vehicle from Dec 1 - April 15, for the winter road closure.

The following maps and guidebook may be ordered by phone from the BLM Prineville District Office at 541-416-6700. Visa/MC and debit cards accepted. (BLM, 3050 NE 3rd St, Prineville OR 97754)

Mainstem

  1. 2005 John Day River Recreation Guide ($6)

    Kimberly to Tumwater Falls spiral-bound waterproof floater's guide. Highly recommended.

  2. 2019 Lower Deschutes & John Day Rivers ($14)

    Waterproof fold-out map covers the mainstem between Highway 26 and the Columbia River, including Service Creek to Cottonwood Bridge.

North Fork

  1. 2003 Umatilla National Forest ($14)

    Shows road access, land ownership, and topographic features. Does not denote River Miles or campsites.

  2. 2002 North Fork John Day River Interim BLM Access Map (free handout)

    Shows road access and land ownership. Does not denote River Miles or campsites.