John Day, Oregon, US |
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| Usual Difficulty | II-III (for normal flows) |
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| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN DAY RIVER AT SERVICE CREEK, OR | ||||
| usgs-14046500 | 1200 - 6000 cfs | II-III | 01h27m | 1170 cfs (rc= -0.0 ) |
The John Day is one of the great river trips of the West which takes you down one of our nation's longest undammed rivers. Designated a Wild and Scenic River the 70 mile section from Clarno to Cottonwood passes through remote canyon country with great camping and spectacular scenic vistas. This section is closed to jet boat use at all times (areas upstream and downstream are open to jet boats from October to April). Good weather and dependable flows make May and June the most popular time to float the river. Lower flows, hot weather, and canyon winds tend to keep folks away in summer but you can still get down the river in an inflatable kayak or canoe.
The river has less challenging rapids than nearby rivers like the Deschutes or Grande Ronde but the spectacular scenery makes this a great river trip with opportunities for hiking and exploring the canyons. Two named rapids are Clarno Rapid and Basalt Rapids. Clarno is 5 miles from the put-in and rates class III/IV with some big waves and a hole to avoid at high flows and rocks to navigate at lower flows. As long as you are paying attention, the rapid is easy to scout from river left. Marking the entrance to the canyons where you leave the ranch land, Basalt Rapids is class II. Most of the ranch country comes in the first few miles but there are parcels of private land along the length of the river.
The river is popular for fishing with the largest populations of wild spring chinook salmon and summer steelhead remaining in the Columbia River system. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish are non-native but support a vibrant fishery in the lower river.
Logistics: It's a good idea to bring plenty of water on the trip. The river water contains suspended sediment, algae, bacteria, and agricultural chemicals but there are a few springs along the way.Group size is limited to 16 people. Fire pans are required and no fires of any kind are allowed from June 1 to October 1. You will also need a toilet system to carry out your waste. Permits are required and must be obtained in advance for the primary boating season of May 20–July 10. Trips outside the primary season may obtain permits at the launch site. Check out the BLM John Day web page for information on this run including current regulations. The BLM also publishes the John Day Recreation Guide which has detailed river maps. These maps are helpful as they clearly note public lands including the Wilderness Study Areas that provide the highest quality opportunities for off-river hikes and exploration.
For float trips during the primary boating season of May 20–July 10, advance permit reservations are required. Permits can be obtained on a first come, first served basis, starting on March 1 and then again on May 1. Launches are capped at 9 per day.
The following are recommended minimum flow levels:
(Clarno Rapid (III-IV) can be unrunable at low water; scout left, portage on either side, line right. Canoeists floating at levels above 2,500 cfs should have whitewater experience and carry floatation bags.)
| Name | Range | Difficulty | Updated | Level | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN DAY RIVER AT SERVICE CREEK, OR | ||||||||||||
| usgs-14046500 | 1200 - 6000 cfs | II-III | 01h27m | 1170 cfs (rc= -0.0 ) | ||||||||
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| When | River/Gauge | Subject | Level | Reporter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3y262d14h56m | John Day [OR] |
Cottonwood Take-out
|
7100 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| 3y263d14h56m | John Day [OR] |
John Day scenic view
|
7800 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| 3y264d14h56m | John Day [OR] |
John Day rafting
|
8200 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| 3y265d14h56m | John Day [OR] |
Upper Clarno
|
8000 cfs | Thomas O'Keefe |
| Mile | Rapid Name | Class | Features (Legend) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -104.8 | Upper Clarno | III |  |
| -104.5 | Lower Clarno | IV | |
| -92.9 | Basalt Rapids | II+ | |
Upper ClarnoClarno Rapid starts with an upper section followed by the slightly more challenging lower section. Even at high flows you can eddy out between the two sections.
Lower Clarno RapidThe lower section of Clarno Rapid is the most challenging drop on the run. At high flows you can find a clean line between a good-sized hole on the left and the big wave train down the middle. At lower flows you will need to thread your way through the rocks. It's easy to scout from river left.
Basalt RapidsThere is a straightforward line down the middle or you can sneak to the left between a large boulder and the left bank.
reach
state
reachlink
3. Clarno to Cottonwood, John Day Oregon, US (mobile)
User Comments
first day we had very strong upriver winds all day but the rest of the trip we only had
intermittent winds mostly late in the day. One day after pulling into camp we ended up getting
about three hours of moderate rain, we were sitting under the canopy enjoying a cocktail and a 20
foot section of the columnar basalt on the opposite side of the river fell off the wall broke into
three pieces and into the river. Wow! How often do you get to see that? Also observed many Big Horn
Seep. This is a must do trip if you have done this one before. If your looking for white-water you
will be disappointed. If your looking for an awesome five day scenery trip then the John Day is for
you. Edit