In 2005, the state of the art Thomas Condon Paleontology Center opened to the public. Named after the prominent 19th-century Oregon scientist who first recognized the significance of the fossil beds and did the first scientific collection and study of specimens, the 11,000 square foot center greatly improved the monument's ability to serve both the public and the scientific community. Performing a dual purpose, the Thomas Condon Paleontology and Visitor Center is dedicated to the study and public understanding of the paleontological resources of the John Day region. Colorful murals, fossil displays, and a fishbowl paleontology laboratory are some of the main features for visitors to enjoy.

The John Day River basin drains nearly 8,100 square miles of central and northeast Oregon. Absent of dams for 281 miles, the John Day is the second longest free-flowing river in the continental United States and the longest undammed tributary of the Columbia. Elevations range from 265 feet at the confluence with the Columbia River to over 9,000 feet at the headwaters in the Strawberry Mountain Range.

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.

The John Day is still carving its way through the basalt layers of old volcanic flows that cover large parts of northern Oregon, creating a canyon as much as 1600 feet deep. The now exposed geologic layers provide memorable scenery. The river and its canyons offer unmatched habitat for many native fish including wild steelhead, Chinook salmon, bull trout, westslope cutthroat, and interior redband. Wildlife found along the river's corridor include mule deer, elk, and black bear, along with peregrine falcons and bald eagles.

Middle Fork John Day River (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

The Middle Fork John Day River is a 73-mile (117 km) tributary of the North Fork John Day River in the U.S. state of Oregon. It originates in the Blue Mountains of northeast Oregon in the Malheur National Forest near Austin and flows generally west to the North Fork about 18 miles (29 km) above Monument. The Middle Fork drainage basin covers about 806 square miles (2,090 km²).^[6]. View the Confluence of the Middle Fork and the North Fork of the John Day River. Reduce the image to view the entire map of this section of the John Day River.

North Fork of the John Day 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 North Fork John Day Wilderness (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) is a wilderness area within the Umatilla and Wallowa–Whitman National Forests in the Blue Mountains of northeastern Oregon.^[1][2]

Bureau of Land Management -

John Day River Maps.

How to Get a Permit

• Permit Overview
• Limited Segments & Dates
• Permit Release Schedule
• Trip Leaders and Alternate Trip Leaders
• Confirmation Requirement
• Motorized Boating Regulations

JOHN DAY RIVER – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

An online launch permit is required to boat all river segments year-round on the mainstem John Day downstream of Spray. A non-refundable launch fee is required for trips entering the Wild and Scenic River section (Service Creek to Tumwater Falls; Segments 1-3) between May 20 and July 10. The fee is $20 per overnight trip per group, or $10 per one-day trip per group.

One launch permit is issued per group, with a maximum group size of 16 persons.  

Each permit authorizes the trip leader to launch on a specific date in a specific river segment; once a permit is reserved, dates and segments are not changeable.

A trip leader may list one alternate trip leader at the time of reservation.  

The trip leader or alternate is required to be present on the entire trip and may be requested to show permit and photo ID during the trip.  

Each person may be named as a trip leader or an alternate trip leader on a maximum of one overnight and three day-use permits at a time.  

The minimum age for a trip leader or alternate trip leader is 13 years.  

All permits are issued on-line as they become available; there is no lottery, no waiting list, and no permits are issued by phone.  

A permit is not needed if you are boating less than 100 yards upstream or downstream of the launch point, or to cross the river to the opposite bank.  

On overnight trips, all boating groups are required to carry and use a leak-proof, portable, reusable toilet system to remove solid human waste from the river canyon. Plastic bags should not be used, except Wag Bags, Clean waste, Restop2, and similar human waste disposal pouches designed specifically for this purpose.  

The Oregon State Marine Board requires operators of canoes, kayaks, drift boats, inflatable rafts, and other manually powered boats 10 feet or longer to carry an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention permit. AIS permits are available where fishing licenses are sold. EXCEPTIONS: Free on-line permits are available to boat the mainstem upstream of Spray and the North Fork downstream of Dale. Free, self-issue permits are available at Priest Hole for visitors wanting to take the one-mile trip solely within the Priest Hole Recreation Site (River Mile 136.5 – 137.5). LEAVE NO TRACE An increase in boating activity along the John Day River means an increase in the signs of human presence: more fire rings on the beaches, more piles of toilet paper behind the trees, more bits of trash around the camp, etc. By practicing a few simple Leave No Trace camping techniques, the signs of Human pressure on the river canyon can be greatly reduced. Please help protect the river you know and love by following Leave No Trace techniques for river corridors:  

On overnight trips, all boating groups 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 and disposed of in a regular garbage dumpster. River toilet dump stations are available at Clarno and Cottonwood take-outs. 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.  

When campfires are allowed, use of a metal firepan is required, so that no trace of your fire remains. A firepan is a metal tray with rigid sides at least two inches high. Metal oil drains pans, small barrels cut in half, and backyard barbecue grills make effective and inexpensive firepans. Firepans are also available from river and horse-packing equipment suppliers. Elevate the firepan with flat rocks to avoid scorching the ground. Locate the firepan close to the river and away from dry grasses and other vegetation.

Burn only wood from home, charcoal or driftwood. Do not cut standing vegetation, either alive or dead. Carry out all ash and charcoal that remains. Burn your fire down to white ash, let it cool completely, and pack out all of the ash with your trash.  

Pack out all litter and garbage, including pasticcio shells and cigarette butts. Remove food scraps from the kitchen area to avoid attracting ants, flies, and rodents. Do not bury trash as animals will dig it up. Strain all dish/wastewater through a screen to remove food particles, and pack them out. Scatter wastewater over a wide area, away from campsites, at least 200 ft. from the river. Soap should be used sparingly; even biodegradable varieties take a long time to break down

The John Day River (Mainstem) Boating Access Locations map displays boating access points for the Mainstem John Day River downstream of Kimberly.

You can also order maps and guidebooks from the Prineville Office that you can take with you.

Water Flows

The John Day River has no dams to control water flow; therefore flow levels fluctuate widely in relation to snow pack and rainfall. When planning a trip, it is helpful to consider the Short Term or Long Term Flow Forecasts, which are updated regularly.

Short term forecast info is available at: www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/river/station/flowplot/flowplot.cgi?SERO3
Long term flow forecast info can be found at: www.nwrfc.noaa.gov/stp/station/stpplot/stpplot.cgi?SERO3

The difficulty of rapids varies with river flow level. Prior whitewater boating skills are necessary to navigate all sections of the river. Clarno Rapid (III-IV) can be unrunnable at low water; scout left, portage on either side, line right. Canoeists floating at levels above 2,500 cfs should have whitewater experience and carry floatation bags.

Recommended minimum flow levels are

• Drift boats: 800cfs
• Inflatable rafts: 500cfs
• Canoes: 300cfs
• Inflatable kayaks: 200cfs

Fire Danger

In the John Day River canyon, the combination of dry cheat grass, strong canyon winds, and steep terrain is a recipe for high fire danger, where one mistake can quickly erupt into a major wildfire.

View the current Prineville Alerts/Notices

Due to high fire danger, campfires and charcoal fires are not permitted from June 1st to September 30 each year. An annual fire closure notice is issued each spring closing the river corridor to all fires and restricting smoking. Example of John Day River Fire Closure Notice (PDF)

Fire Safety

Lightning-caused wildfires are an annual occurrence on the John Day River. Learn what to do in case of fire. Safety Tips-Wildfire Along the Rivers

Click to Discover Wheeler County: The Wheeler County Parks system consists of three parks: Wheeler County Courthouse, Bear Hollow Park, and Shelton Wayside Park. Court house is located adjacent to the historic Wheeler County Courthouse in Fossil. The grounds were designated an official county park for day use in 1995.The courthouse was constructed in 1901 at a cost of $9,025. The building has undergone extensive renovation, but still retains most of its original features and is one of only 2 or 3 courthouses of this age still being used of its original purpose.

The grounds surrounding the building attract many visitors who picnic and tour the historic build-ing. The annual Bluegrass festival his held on the Courthouse grounds during the 4th of July in coordination with the Fossil classic car show. The building is decorated extensively during the Holiday Season and visitors are always welcome.Located about 60 miles south of the Columbia River, Wheeler  county  offers  excellent  recreational  opportunities. Along  with  camping  in  pristine  surroundings  in  an “undiscovered” part of Oregon, there are many other activities such as golf, rafting along the John Day River, fossil hunting,  rock-hounding,  hiking,  mountain  biking,  wildlife watching, swimming, fishing, hunting, and star gazing.

Wheeler County’s  three  communities each contribute something special to the County. Mitchell’s Painted  Hills  Festival and Dinosaur Days over Labor Day weekend celebrates that community’s role as the gateway to Oregon’s colorful badlands.

Spray is known as the Recreational Paradise at the Heart of the John Day River, with the Spray Rodeo and Half Marathon held during Memorial Day Weekend and Spray Daze celebration on Father’s Day in June.

Fossil, the county seat, hosts a Bluegrass Festival on the historic courthouse grounds during the 4th of July, and the W heeler  County  Fair and  Rodeo in August. Fossil is sited at the heart of  Oregon’s  first  state designated cultural and heritage tour route, Journey Through Time. Important geological and paleontological sites are located throughout the County, including the Clarno and Painted Hills Units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Historical museums  located  in  the  three  communities  are worth a visit as is the ghost town of Richmond.

Bear Hollow Park is located  approxi-mately  7 miles southeast of Fossil on State Highway  19.  Wheeler  county  purchased the park from Pioneer Resources in May 2002, leasing the park from Kinzua Lum-ber Company over 25 years. The  park  consists  of  19  forested  acres and  currently  contains  20  primitive campsites with a fire ring and sturdy picnic table. Potable water is available as well as two  new  sealed  vault-style  handicapped accessible  toilets.  Roads  in  the  park  are well graveled and the park is suitable for both tent and RV camping, as well as day use for picnicking or just relaxing. Group rates are available for scouts, schools and clubs. The park is open year round.Butte Creek runs the length of the park and in the spring and summer wildflowers bloom.  Wildlife  such  as  deer,  bears  and birds can be seen in the park throughout the year. Shelton Wayside ParkLocated approximately 10 miles southeast of Fossil on State Highway 19, Shelton Park has existed as a park facility since 1927 when 3.8 acres were donated to the State of Oregon by Kinzua Lumber Company with the stipulation the land become a public park.In the early years, the park served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and traces of the foundation are still visible. In 1930, a gift of an additional 180 acres expanded the park to its current size of 183 acres. In 1995, Wheeler County leased the park from the State of Oregon. In September 2002, the State of Oregon deeded the entire 183 acre park to Wheeler County with the stipulation it remain a pub-lic park. Service Creek runs the length of  the park and dur-ing the spring and summer months wildflowers bloom profusely. Wildlife within the park include: bobcats, coyotes, deer, elk, grouse, turkeys, and a wide variety of birds. Shelton Park contains 36 primitive camping spots in a serene forested setting. Good potable water is available throughout the park, as well as new sealed vault-style  handicapped  accessible  toilets. Each campsite contains a fire ring and sturdy picnic table. Roads in the park are well graveled  and most campsites are quite level and suitable for either tent or RV camping, as well as day use for picnicking or relaxing. Group rates are available for scouts, schools and clubs. The park is open from mid-April until mid-November.

Shelton Wayside Park is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Fossil on State Highway 19, Shelton Park has existed as a park facility since 1927 when 3.8 acres were donated to the State of Oregon by Kinzua Lumber Company with the stipulation the land become a public park.In the early years, the park served as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and traces of the founda-tion are still visible. In 1930, a gift of an additional 180 acres expanded the park to its current size of 183 acres. In  1995, Wheeler County leased the park from the State of Oregon. In September 2002, the State of Oregon deeded the entire 183 acre park to Wheeler County with the stipulation it remain a pub-lic park. Service Creek runs the length of  the park and during the spring and summer months wildflowers bloom profusely. Wildlife within the park include: bobcats, coyotes, deer, elk, grouse, turkeys, and a wide variety of birds. Shelton Park contains 36 primitive camping spots in a serene forested setting. Good potable water is available throughout the park, as well as new sealed vault style  handicapped  accessible  toilets.  Each campsite contains a fire ring and sturdy picnic table. Roads  in  the  park  are  well  graveled  and  most campsites are quite level and suitable for either tent or RV camping, as well as day use for picnicking or relaxing. Group rates are available for scouts, schools and clubs. The park is open from mid-April until mid-November. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT WHEELER COUNTY PARKS AT:Ph: 541-763-2010 Mail: PO Box 447Fossil, OR 97830 Information also available at: Tami Stockton Ph:541-763-3200 Email: tstockton@co.wheeler.or.us

Kimberly primitive boat launch at the North Fork of the John Day River.

Shady Grove Access Site Managed by:  Bureau of Land Management at 541-416-6700

Spray Access Site is a leased boating facility located on the John Day River managed by the ODFW at 800-720-6339. Please be respectful of the landowners property.

Spray Riverfront Park Managed by: City of Spray is a use fee City Park located on the John Day River within the City of Spray. Contact: 541-468-2069 for additional information. (River Mile 170.8) City of Spray land, toilet, campground, launch fee.

Wooden Bridge a primitive small craft boat launch. (RM 162) no toilet, no camping

MuleShoe Campground a primitive small Craft boat launch managed by the Bureau of Land Management 541-416-6700. Click on MuleShoe and expand map to view. (RM 159.2) toilet, campground.

Service Creek Boat Launch Managed by: Bureau of Land Management. Contact: 541-416-6700.

Service Creek : From Prineville, Oregon:Take US 26 east out of town and drive 46.5 miles to OR 207 N. Turn left and drive 23.5 miles. Service Creek Campground and boat launch will be on the right. (RM 157.2) toilet, walk-in campground

Twickenham Boat Ramp Managed by: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contact: 800-720-6339 for additional information. (RM 144.1) private land with easement for boat access and boater parking only, toilet, no camping

Priest Hole Recreation Site a free to launch facility for small boats is managed by: Bureau of Land Management. Contact: 541-416-6700 for addtional information. Map of John Day River from Service Creek to Priest Hole Recreation Site. (RM 137.1) toilet, primitive camping

Burnt Ranch Campground is a walkin or boat in camp site. Access to the site by vehicle is restricted by a locked gate. (RM 131.7) toilet, primitive camping

Burnt Ranch Boat Ramp is a primitive boat launch suitable for small cartop kayaks and canoes located a short distance downriver from the Burnt Ranch Campground.

Clarno State Recreation Site Managed by: Bureau of Land Management 541-416-6700. Direction to Clarno. (RM 109.2) boat launch, toilet, no camping

John Day National Monument - Clarno Unit at the Clarno Unit, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Clarno is the smallest and least interesting of the three sections of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and probably receives the lowest visitation of any NPS property in the West. Covering less than 2,000 acres, the preserve has a remote location in generally uninhabited land in north central Oregon, on the north side of the valley of Pine Creek, a John Day River tributary.

Hancock Field Station by the Oregon Natural Desert Association

OMSI's Camp Hancock Whether it's seeing million-year old fossils embedded in the cliffs of the Clarno Palisades, polishing thundereggs, or counting shooting stars streaking across the desert night sky, a week at Camp Hancock puts adventure at the forefront of your summer. 

Images of Hancock Field Station Fossil Oregon

Trails at the Clarno Unit offers access via the Trails at the Clarno Unit beginning with the Trail of Fossils and Clarno Arch Trail are connected to the Geologic Time Trail and the Palisades Trailhead. The Palisades Trailhead is located ¼ mile west of the picnic area along Highway 218.

The other trails are accessed from the Trailhead at the Clarno Unit: the Trail of Fossils, the Clarno Arch Trail and the Palisades Trail are connected to the Geologic Time Trail and additionl parking at the Pinic Area. As I said no confusion here.

Trail of Fossils (¼ mile loop) This is the only trail in the park where visitors can readily see fossils in the rocks. Large boulders strewn below the Palisades contain dozens of visible plant fossils from the near-tropical forest that blanketed the region 44 million years ago.

Clarno Arch Trail (¼ mile round trip) A 200 foot elevation climb brings visitors directly under a natural arch cut into the cliff by erosion. Petrified logs are visible in the cliff face.

Geologic Time Trail (¼ mile each way) This trail connects the picnic area and trailhead. Signs along the way note events of the last 50 million years. Each foot of trail represents 37,000 years.

Images of Clarno State Recreation Site

Pine Creek Conservation Area Pine (website by the Oregon Natural Desert Association) Creek Conservation Area was purchased by the Bonneville Power Administration beginning in 1999 for the mitigation of lands flooded by the John Day Dam on the Columbia. It is now managed by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs for the benefit of fish and wildlife. While the area is closed to recreational vehicles, its rugged landscape is open to non-motorized recreational use.

Thirtymile Creek small craft boat launch site.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park and J S Burres State Park at the the Cottonwood Bridge over the Johin Day River. Access to the trailhead for the Lost Corral Trail on the eastside of the river and access to the Trail on the westside of the river. The J.S. Burres day-use area is a popular boat launch for rafts, kayaks, canoes and drift boats. If you’re an angler, the John Day River contains spawing runs of salmon, steelhead, trout, catfish and carp in addition to smallmouth bass. Considering that the John Day River is one of the Nation's longest free flowing rivers we should know the impact that introduced speices have made on the life cycle of Salmonids. When the John Day was accepted as one of the nation's wild and scenic rivers there was some discussion about the inadquate quality of the river's water. We urge the undertaking of complete series of water qualitiy studies to improve the health of the aquatic environment of the Nation's second longest free flowing river. (RM 39.6) toilet, no camping; Camping available across the river at Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Google Map photo of bridge.

Cottonwood Recreation Site BLM information.

Images of Lost Corral Trail the Pinnacles Trail and the Lost Corral Trail, each 4.3 miles one way, follow either side of the John Day River downstream. The Lost Corral Trail, leaving from JS Burres, is open to both hikers, bikers and equestrians. The Pinnacles Trail, leaving from the end of the campground, is open to bikers and hikers. Enjoy walking through the Lost Corral. Follow the trail around the corner of the low cliff and climb up to the ridge above. Follow the fence to the top of of the ridge.

Sage Steppe Trail, Cottonwood Canyon

Pinnacles Trail, Cottonwood Canyon

Upstream, the Hard Stone Trail is open to foot traffic only. Or, you can strike out on your own along old, unmaintained ranching roads that lead into the back country. The J.S. Burres day-use area is a popular boat launch for rafts, kayaks, canoes and drift boats.

Gilliam County Historical Museum: The Gilliam County Historical Museum Complex is located right next to Burns Park in Condon, displays several historical buildings with furnished period interiors, including an 1884 Homestead, 1905 Railroad Depot, a 1900 Country School house, a 1900's Barbershop, the old Condon City Hall and Jail, a country church, and finally a large agricultural display building with antique equipment and vehicles. Click on Gilliam County to view google map of direction from Cottonwood Bridge to the museum and Burns Park.

Images of Gilliam County Historical Museum

Oregon Paleo Lands Institute (OPLI) Center 333 West Fourth Street - Post Office Box 104 - Fossil, OR 97830 -  Phone: (541) 763-4480 - Email: paleolands@gmail.com

Wheeler High School Fossil Beds at Fossil Oregon. The fossil beds are located behind the football field.

Images of Wheeler High School Fossil Beds at Fossil Oregon.

Starvation Lane at river mile 30 is apopular primitive boat launch as evidenced by the 10 rigs parked at the launch site. Access to the popular boat launch is gained after turning onto Starvation Lane Road from Hwy 206 for the 25 mile plus trip on a rock road.

Rock Creek (Walk in) access is from the John Day Hwy through Olex via the Middle Rock Creek Lane. (RM 22) no toilet, primitive camping.

Mc Donald Crossing for all intents and purposes Mc Donald Crossing is the end of your boating adventure down the John Day River. Mc Donald Crossing at is last takeout prior to Tumwater Falls. Do not attempt to run the falls at Tumwater Falls. On the downside the 9.5 mile trip through Blalock Canyon from I-84 is a consideration that leaves one looking for an alternative takeout point, like the takeout at Cottonwood Bridge at river mile 40. (RM 20.7) no toilet; last take-out before Tumwater Falls; toilet and parking available ½ mile downstream on east side at John Day Crossing

Images of McDonald Crossing John Day River

Tumwater Falls at river mile 10,0 is not boatable at any river level

Albert Philippi Park is Managed by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: 541-296-1181. Explore the river wild with this "boat-in park on the John Day River." Philippi Park offers dock facilities, 35 camp sites with some beach frontage and tree-covered respite. Restrooms and warm showers available, maintained by the park's custodian. Open May 27 to September 6. Call (541) 739-1135 with questions. Directions: Philippi Park is accessible by boat only, about a mile up the John Day River from the Columbia River. 

Parking and boat launch are at LePage Park.

Le Page Park Managed by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: 541-296-1181

LePage Park is located at the confluence of the John Day and Columbia Rivers 9.9 miles from Rufus, Oregon, and the John Day Dam. Popular activities include river fishing, swimming, water skiing and boating. The campground offers 22 sites with electric hookups and 20 primitive walk-to tent sites. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp.