Eastern Oregon - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 710

RAFTING THE JOHN DAY

From Clarno Bridge (on Hwy 218) to Cottonwood Bridge (on Hwy 206), a distance
of 70 miles, the John Day River cuts a deep canyon through basaltic lava flows on
its way to the Columbia River. No public roads reach the canyon here; along the
river are the remains of homesteads, Native American petroglyphs and pristine
wildlife habitats.
Plan to float the John Day in spring or early summer, when the toughest rapids
are class III or IV, depending on the water levels. Most trips take four days and
some rafters float the John Day on their own (permit required). Shuttle service and
raft rentals are available from Service Creek Stage Stop ( 541-468-3331;

www.servicecreeklodge.com ; 38686 Hwy 19) .
For specific advice, contact the Prineville BLM office ( 541-416-6700; 3050 NE 3rd
St; 7:45am-4:30pm Mon-Fri) and see www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/
johnday .
Among the companies that run trips are the following:
Oregon River Experiences ( 800-827-1358; www.oregonriver.com )
Oregon Whitewater Adventures ( 800-820-7238; www.oregonwhitewater.com )
Ouzel Outfitters ( 800-788-7238; www.oregonrafting.com )

TOP OF CHAPTER

John Day
POP 1750
Smack near the middle of eastern Oregon, this unpretentious, one-stoplight town strings
along a narrow passage of the John Day River Valley. It's a utilitarian but decent enough
place to base yourself while exploring the scenic region, and hosts a few interesting mu-
seums as well.

Sights

Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site HISTORIC SITE
( 541-575-2800; 125 NW Canton St; 9am-5pm May-Oct) Don't miss this site, loc-
ated in an 1865 building that served primarily as an apothecary for the noted Chinese