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John Day River - Day Use Permits

Safety: Many sections of the John Day River are remote with limited to no emergency access or cell service. Depending on water level and section of river, you may encounter Class lll to lV rapids. Wind and weather can be extreme and the water can be cold. See the recommended safety equipment under boater safety. 

Private Property: The river flows through a mix of public and private lands. Use a map/gps to ensure your location, and please respect private property. S1 mobil mapper is a great map ap showing land ownership and location even when out of cell range.   

Waterway Access Permit Exemption: On the John Day River, an Oregon Waterway Access Permit is not required during High Season from Service Creek to Tumwater Falls but is required during Low Season. For more information, please visit the Oregon State Marine Board website.

Invasive Species: Please help lessen the spread of invasive species by limiting travel through weed-infested areas and by cleaning and drying watercraft. Before departing campsites and upon reaching the takeout, inspect clothing, gear, and watercraft for aquatic and terrestrial invasives.   

 

RIVER SEGMENT DESCRIPTIONS: 

All boat ramps are primitive.

See launch and camping information for further detail. 

Segment 3A or 3B:

  • Segment 3A includes the 13 miles stretch between Service Creek and Twickenham. 
  • Segment 3B is the 35 mile section between Twickenham and Clarno.
  • With several access points, a variety of one-day scenic or bass fishing trips can be enjoyed. For half-day to one-day float trips, the 7-mile section between Twickenham and Priest Hole is the easiest, with little whitewater to contend with. The most popular day float is the 13-mile section between Service Creek and Twickenham.
  • Priest Hole and Burnt Ranch access is via remote, gravel roads. 4x4 is recommended for Burnt Ranch. 
  • Twickenham is private land available for public boat access via an Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife easement. Please observe all posted regulations and pick up all garbage to help ensure good relations. 
  • Car camping is available at Service Creek (walk-in), Priest Hole (dispersed) and Burnt Ranch (4 picnic tables and fire rings- 4x4 recommended). No drinking water or garbage service is available at these sites.

Keep the following rapids in mind:  

Russo, Class II (River Mile 150.2) 

Tap Horn, Class II (River Mile 149.2 

Burnt Ranch, Class II+ (River Mile 132.4)  

Planning Tip: Winds frequently blow upstream in the afternoon, sometimes in the morning too!    

SEGMENT 1A AND 1B

  • Segment 1 is far less user friendly. Some boat ramps are not reachable at certain flows. Please do your due dilegence.
  • Segment 1A is the 10-mile section between J.S. Burres (Cottonwood Bridge) and Starvation Lane, floating through Cottonwood Canyon State Park.
  • Segment 1B is the 19-mile section between Starvation Lane and Tumwater Falls.  
  • Access at Starvation Lane is difficult or not possible at certain flows. At low flows, you need to drive far out on to the gravel bar for access. At high flows, it is very difficult to take out at Starvation. Please check conditions with Cottonwood Canyon State Park .
  • Scout your takeout!
    • All takeouts are primitive. Ease of access changes with water level. 
    • McDonald's Ferry is newly acquir ed land on the west side of the river and is the last public take-out.
    • River access on the east side of the river include:
      • Where the road meets the river at river mile 21
      • Rock Creek (hand carry only)
      • John Day Crossing (hand carry only, parking and toilet on site)
      • The east side of the river can be hard to navigate to. Mapping aps may send you to locked gates on private land. Make sure to have a paper map or atlas with you. Cell service is rare.
    • Confirm exactly where your car will be parked if getting shuttled!
  • Car Camping: Camping is available at Cottonwood Canyon State Park (water, showers, cabins). Dispersed camping is available at McDonald's Ferry on the west sid e of the river, and at John Day Crossing Recreation Site (toilet and picnic tables) and Rock Creek (suitable only for 1-2 small parties, picnic table and fire ring) on the east side of the river. No drinking water or garbage facilities are available at these sites.