<I>File Photo</I><BR>The John Day River mostly includes moderate Class III rapids

Some of Grant County’s most awesome and breath-taking scenery can be found along the John Day River system – the main stem and the North Fork, and the best way to reach some of these remote and incredibly beautiful areas is by a float trip on the river.

The John Day River mostly includes moderate Class III rapids, which are catagorized as: Fast moving water with high irregular waves usually narrow passages that require some complex maneuvers and possibly some scouting from shore. One section, the Clarno Rapids are Class IV rapids: “Very turbulent water with long, difficult rapids, through constricted passageways. Scouting is necessary.”

Generally speaking, the later the season, the lower the water and the less turbulent the rapids. Most of the John Day River system is ideally suited for the novice rafter, it’s smooth and fairly wide, but if you’re planning the trip from Service Creek west to Twickenham, or the stretch from Cottonwood Bridge south to Clarno Bridge, caution should be taken and at least one member of the party should include someone experienced in river running.