The John Day River is a wild and scenic river located in the unique high desert region of Eastern Oregon. It runs through seven sparsely populated counties – Grant, Umatilla, Jefferson, Wheeler, Sherman, Wasco, and Gilliam – before finally emptying into the mighty Columbia. Long the recreational playground of the “locals,” the John Day offers visitors:

• Solitude
• Wildlife viewing (deer, beaver, otters, eagles, ducks, geese, hawks, coyotes, bighorn sheep)
• Scenery (basalt canyons, rock formations, rolling hills, awe-inspiring sunsets)
• History (Indian writings, old homesteads)
• Brief stretches of rolling rapids followed by relaxing drifts
• Amazing water clarity
• Stretches of beach ideal for swimming and camping
• Bird hunting for upland birds and waterfowl
• Summer/Spring runs of wild Steelhead
• GREAT fishing for Smallmouth bass!