Descending from flanks of Eastern Oregon’s Aldrich and Ochoco mountains, 47
miles of the South Fork John Day River are designated as a Wild and Scenic
River. Trout fishing and chukar hunting are just a sampling of the fish and
wildlife opportunities abounding in the area.

## Know Before You Go

  * Rattlesnakes are common in the canyon, especially during the summer months.
  * Vehicle fuel is available in Dayville near the north end of the wild and scenic river.
  * Check for local fire restrictions before building any campfire.
  * Pack it in; pack it out at primitive campsites; no developed facilities are available.

## Point of Interest

Drive the graveled South Fork John Day Back Country Byway which parallels the
winding river, offering deep-canyon views of juniper woodlands and Ponderosa
pine forests. The road offers easy access to primitive, dispersed camping
sites.  
  
Interactive Video: 360° Dusk at the South Fork John Day River

<p>Descending from flanks of Eastern Oregon’s Aldrich and Ochoco mountains, 47 miles of the South Fork John Day River are designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Trout fishing and chukar hunting are just a sampling of the fish and wildlife opportunities abounding in the area.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>Rattlesnakes are common in the canyon, especially during the summer months.</li><li>Vehicle fuel is available in Dayville near the north end of the wild and scenic river.</li><li>Check for local fire restrictions before building any campfire.</li><li>Pack it in; pack it out at primitive campsites; no developed facilities are available.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>Drive the graveled South Fork John Day Back Country Byway which parallels the winding river, offering deep-canyon views of juniper woodlands and Ponderosa pine forests. The road offers easy access to primitive, dispersed camping sites.<br><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtvFLlrBqo8" rel="nofollow">Interactive Video: 360° Dusk at the South Fork John Day River</a></p>

Downriver view of the South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River, south of Smoky Creek

View of the canyon of the South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River.

South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

View of the South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River.

View of a river bench above the South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River.

Chukar partridge along the South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River.

Chukar partridge along the South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

Upriver view of the South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

This gravelled Back Country Byway parallels the Wild and Scenic South Fork
John Day River through its incised canyon for a distance of 50 miles from its
northern terminus at Dayville to the northern border of Malheur National
Forest to the south. This drive takes visitors through deep canyons of
Columbia River Basalts, through stands of old growth ponderosa pines, Douglas
and white fir, and willows that line the road. The river itself contains
beautiful rapids and the Izee Falls, which drops 56 feet vertically.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Aldrich Mountain Wilderness Study Area as well
as the Black Canyon Wilderness, two areas with ample opportunities for hiking,
hunting and wildlife viewing. The Murderer's Creek area has plentiful
wildlife, including deer, elk, black bear, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and upland
birds.

## Know Before You Go

  * This high-standard gravel road is suitable for most passenger vehicles; however, know that some stretches of this road are single-vehicle width.
  * No developed recreation facilities exist along this route but dispersed camping opportunities abound. Nine miles south of Dayville, the Black Canyon East Trailhead offers hiking access into the Black Canyon Wilderness.
  * Cell phone service is not available along this back country byway.

## Point of Interest

For people who like to learn about the past, you can drive by the historic
Rockpile Ranch. This private ranch was established in the late 19th century
and is still in operation today. Also, there is a small two-room schoolhouse
located in Izee, about 34 miles upstream from Dayville. The school was used
until 1989, when it closed its doors to students. Now it is used for community
functions.

<p>This gravelled Back Country Byway parallels the Wild and Scenic South Fork John Day River through its incised canyon for a distance of 50 miles from its northern terminus at Dayville to the northern border of Malheur National Forest to the south. This drive takes visitors through deep canyons of Columbia River Basalts, through stands of old growth ponderosa pines, Douglas and white fir, and willows that line the road. The river itself contains beautiful rapids and the Izee Falls, which drops 56 feet vertically.</p><p>Along the way, you’ll pass the Aldrich Mountain Wilderness Study Area as well as the Black Canyon Wilderness, two areas with ample opportunities for hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing. The Murderer's Creek area has plentiful wildlife, including deer, elk, black bear, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and upland birds.</p><h2>Know Before You Go</h2><ul><li>This high-standard gravel road is suitable for most passenger vehicles; however, know that some stretches of this road are single-vehicle width.</li><li>No developed recreation facilities exist along this route but dispersed camping opportunities abound. Nine miles south of Dayville, the Black Canyon East Trailhead offers hiking access into the Black Canyon Wilderness.</li><li>Cell phone service is not available along this back country byway.</li></ul><h2>Point of Interest</h2><p>For people who like to learn about the past, you can drive by the historic Rockpile Ranch. This private ranch was established in the late 19th century and is still in operation today. Also, there is a small two-room schoolhouse located in Izee, about 34 miles upstream from Dayville. The school was used until 1989, when it closed its doors to students. Now it is used for community functions.</p>

Contact the field office for more information about fees and permits.

View of the South Fork John Day River with basalt cliff in distance.

Ponderosa pine above the South Fork John Day River

Evening view of the South Fork John Day River.

South Fork John Day Wild and Scenic River

Know Before You Go

Point of Interest

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

South Fork John Day River Back Country Byway