John Day River Guide

Rating:
Summary: As good as it gets for boaters
Review: The John Day River is one of the hidden gems of the northwest. Located in the desert canyonlands of Oregon, northeast of Bend, it offers boaters multiple trip options, including an 85 mile stretch uninterrupted by roads or bridges, which makes an exquisite 4-6 day canoe, kayak, raft or driftboat trip.

Art Campbell's drift and historical guide is the comprehensive John Day guide. It provides detailed maps and descriptions of every section of the river - but also a fascinating account of the history of the region, along with historical anecdotes for each stretch of the river. The region was briefly populated by ranching communities 100 years ago, but has returned to primarily a state of wilderness, with a small amount of ranching remaining. As you drift past side-canyons, it's fascinating to read that rustlers were captured at this spot, that this is where a ranchhand accidentally drowned a child while playing with her in the river, or that here is where a man lost everything gambling, including his clothes, and had to ride home wearing only his long-johns.

The only drawback to the book is that it hasn't been updated recently. A few landmarks have changed, and, as rivers do, some rapids have changed slightly. Still, the changes are minor enough that the boater who trusts the guide will not go wrong (as of 1999 anyway).

The John Day is seasonal, depending on snowmelt from Oregon's Ochoco and Blue Mountains. The prime boating season is June. Later in the season the water level may be too low. The ideal flow level for canoes is between 800 and 2000 cfs. The river is uncontrolled by dams, and flow level may fluctuate significantly, revealing or obscuring some obstacles. Don't go without Art Campbell's guide! It's worth far more than it costs.

Rating:
Summary: As good as it gets for boaters
Review: The John Day River is one of the hidden gems of the northwest. Located in the desert canyonlands of Oregon, northeast of Bend, it offers boaters multiple trip options, including an 85 mile stretch uninterrupted by roads or bridges, which makes an exquisite 4-6 day canoe, kayak, raft or driftboat trip.

Art Campbell's drift and historical guide is the comprehensive John Day guide. It provides detailed maps and descriptions of every section of the river - but also a fascinating account of the history of the region, along with historical anecdotes for each stretch of the river. The region was briefly populated by ranching communities 100 years ago, but has returned to primarily a state of wilderness, with a small amount of ranching remaining. As you drift past side-canyons, it's fascinating to read that rustlers were captured at this spot, that this is where a ranchhand accidentally drowned a child while playing with her in the river, or that here is where a man lost everything gambling, including his clothes, and had to ride home wearing only his long-johns.

The only drawback to the book is that it hasn't been updated recently. A few landmarks have changed, and, as rivers do, some rapids have changed slightly. Still, the changes are minor enough that the boater who trusts the guide will not go wrong (as of 1999 anyway).

The John Day is seasonal, depending on snowmelt from Oregon's Ochoco and Blue Mountains. The prime boating season is June. Later in the season the water level may be too low. The ideal flow level for canoes is between 800 and 2000 cfs. The river is uncontrolled by dams, and flow level may fluctuate significantly, revealing or obscuring some obstacles. Don't go without Art Campbell's guide! It's worth far more than it costs.