John Day Wild and Scenic River

From its headwaters to Camas Creek, the North Fork of the John Day River is one of the most important rivers in northeast Oregon for the production of anadromous fish. Wildlife found along the river's corridor include mule deer, elk, and black bears, along with peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, sightseeing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, camping, and whitewater rafting.

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.

Know Before You Go

• Permits: An online boating permit is required year-round to boat the John Day Wild and Scenic River between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls. Permits can only be obtained on recreation.gov, which offers a site for John Day River Day Use Permits and John Day River Overnight Permits.
• Carry Out Human Waste: On overnight trips, all boaters are required to carry and use a leak-proof, portable, reusable toilet system to remove solid human waste from the river canyon. The toilet must be large enough to service the entire party for the complete length of the trip. Toilets using plastic bags are not acceptable, with the exception of the Wag Bag or similar human waste pouch designed for this purpose, which are permitted. Used Wag Bags must be transported in a leak-proof container. River toilet dump stations are not available at the takeouts. Dumpsters are provided at Clarno and Cottonwood during high season. A list of RV dump stations is posted on BLM bulletin boards. Disposing of Wag Bags in a river toilet dump station or vault toilet is prohibited.

Please visit the John Day Wild and Scenic River website for more information including what to know before you go, 

Point of Interest

The John Day River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the continental United States and is the longest undammed tributary of the Columbia River.