Explore John Day Wild and Scenic River, Oregon

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The John Day River is the longest undammed river in Oregon. Located in eastern Oregon, the section from Service Creek to Tumwater Falls flows through a number of colorful canyons broad valleys, and breathtaking terrain. This segment offers exceptional anadromous steelhead and warm-water bass fishing; calm water boating punctuated with a few rapids; and locations of archeological, historical and paleontological interest. The John Day River and its corridor played an important role during pioneer migration and settlement of the west, with a few sites significant enough to make them eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The Oregon Trail, a significant westerly route for homesteaders and adventurers, crossed the John Day River at McDonald Ford. Thousands of emigrants crossed here between the 1840s and 1860s. Twenty-six documented historic sites represent settlement associated with livestock grazing and transportation-related features. The riparian zone offers lush, green vegetation important to wildlife and hydrologic processes. The adjacent dry, steep, rocky hillsides are dominated by vast acreage of bluebunch wheatgrass. Several plant species have evolved to thrive in the clays of varying colors and textures, resulting from volcanic activity, and 16 special status species have been seen or suspected in the corridor. Recreational activities most commonly pursued on and along the river are hunting, fishing and whitewater boating. Fall and winter are the seasons for hunting waterfowl, upland birds and deer. Slow water floating with a few challenging rapids are appealing for a wide spectrum of visitors. Camping, picnicking, sightseeing, photography, swimming and wildlife viewing are also popular, and snowmobiling and skiing are options during the winter months.

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