The John Day River seen from Lone Pine Campground between Monument and Kimberly on Highway 402.

The beautiful, constant John Day River is a gift that keeps on giving.

Taking in the stunning views of the river with the backdrop of the spring or fall high desert colors is as easy as a road trip.

No matter the time of year, travelers’ eyes will be rewarded following the John Day’s meandering flow through the breathtaking geologic formations in Picture Gorge on Highway 26 west of Dayville to Highway 19 through the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument’s Sheep Rock Unit from Goose Rock to Cathedral Rock south of Kimberly. 

Other ways to enjoy the third-longest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states of America, include summertime picnicking, camping and fishing at the river’s edge. Floating lazily downstream by inner tube or pontoon or enjoying a few of the fun rapids by canoe are other options — rafts, canoes and kayaks can navigate the river down to 150 cubic feet per second.

The 284-mile long John Day River, a tributary of the Columbia River, has its source from four areas: the main branch from the Strawberry Mountains in eastern Grant County, the North Fork from the Elkhorn Mountains in the northeast part of the county, the Middle Fork from the Blue Mountains at the eastern edge of the county and the South Fork from Harney County.

The main fork flows through the towns of Prairie City, John Day and Mt. Vernon passing hay fields and grazing pastures. Clyde Holliday State Park east of Mt. Vernon, alongside Highway 26, has a large parking lot, several picnic tables, bathrooms, a swimming hole and a campground.

Farther west, in Dayville, the South Fork joins the main flow. Dayville city park has playground equipment, picnic tables and bathrooms.

The Middle Fork runs alongside County Road 20 in the eastern portion of the county. Middle Fork Campground offers a quiet spot for a picnic and fishing in the warmer months.

Between the towns of Monument and Kimberly, off of Highway 402, visitors can enjoy the sight of the river from the solitude of Big Bend and Lone Pine campgrounds.

Fishing opportunities in the upper mainstem John Day River include smallmouth bass from March through October with no limit on size or number for harvesting. Some anglers seek out an opportunity to catch a westslope cutthroat trout, found only in Oregon in the John Day Basin, primarily in the upper mainstem from May 22 to Oct. 31. For more information on fishing, refer to Oregon fishing regulations for open river reaches. Contact BLM officials regarding boat permits.

Wildlife along the John Day River include deer, elk, antelope, coyotes and birds such as peregrine falcons and bald eagles.

The John Day River touches many portions of Grant County as it eventually meanders north, and not all aspects can be enjoyed in one single trip, so plan to visit often and enjoy the abundant opportunities the river offers for fun, beautiful getaways.