John Day River
NOTIFICATION OF PROPOSED NEW BOATER SPECIAL RECREATION PERMIT FEE FOR 2014
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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.
The John Day Wild and Scenic River is part of the Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands. The National Conservation Lands include nearly 27 million acres of National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Scenic and Historic Trails. The National Conservation Lands work to conserve the essential fabric of the West, while offering exceptional opportunities for recreation, solitude, wildlife viewing, exploring history, and scientific research.
Attention Boaters
A permit is required to boat the John Day River. Please visit the John Day River Boating website for maps, water flow predictions, boating regulations, shuttle information, and information on how to obtain a boating permit.
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 Navigability Study.