WHITEWATER RAFTING

John Day River Scenic Float

In 1988, Congress designated 148 miles of the main John Day (including the sections you'll float), as well as 101 miles of the north and south forks, as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. The John Day watershed supports one of the largest remaining populations of wild Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Columbia Basin, and is known for its excellent bass fishing. A wide variety of bird life may be found here, as well.

Trips are offered on both the Upper and the Lower John Day. Either section is ideal for a scenic float, and they may be combined to create a seven to nine-day journey.

The upper segment of the John Day is the calmer of the two, and the few rapids encountered are quite mild. This leaves you with ample time to relax, sunbathe, fish, and take in the passing scenery.

The lower John Day trip begins with a few Class III rapids, but thereafter few rapids are encountered, and most of those are quite mild. This leaves you with ample time to relax, sunbathe, fish, and take in the passing scenery.

Although close to Portland, much of the John Day is little traveled. As a result, it is often found that you have the colorful scenery and sunshine all to yourself.  

Trip Details

First Morning:
Upper and combo runs: Meet at 8:00am on the date your trip begins at the Service Creek Trading Post, 300 yards north of the river, at the junction of Highways 19 and 207, in Service Creek, Oregon. Service Creek is roughly 250 miles southeast of Portland.

Lower run: Meet at 8:00am on the date your trip begins at the U.S. Forest Service Boat Launch Area at Clarno, where Oregon Highway 218 crosses the John Day River. Clarno is roughly 165 miles southeast of Portland.

After a brief orientation, you will pack your things into river bags, and park your vehicles nearby. (A shuttle service will transport your car to the take-out.) A safety and orientation briefing will be conducted, which will include instruction on paddle and rowing techniques as needed. Normally, you'll be on your way downstream by mid-morning.

On the River:
Each day is a bit different. A typical day on the river begins with freshly brewed coffee around 7:00am, and breakfast by 8:00am. After breakfast, pack your bags and load the boats. Then, after a brief orientation to the day’s adventures, you’ll head downstream.

You'll be on the river an average of three to four hours per day. Along the way you stop for a riverside picnic lunch. You may also stop to explore historic sites, or to scout rapids. Usually, arrival in camp is by mid to late afternoon, and while the guides prepare hors d’oeuvres and dinner, you’ll have time to explore, read, or nap. (There are a few good hikes, but for the most part hiking opportunities are limited.)

Last Day:
Upper run: Typically, arrival at Clarno bridge, the take-out point, takes place between 2:00 and 3:30pm. Your car will be waiting for you there, and once you've unpacked your river bags, you'll be on your way.

Lower and combo runs: Typically, arrival at Cottonwood bridge, the take-out point, takes place between 2:00pm and 3:30pm. Your car will be waiting for you there, and once you've unpacked your river bags, you'll be on your way.