John Day River
3-Day Rafting Trip
Highlights & Details
- Relaxing trip with few rapids
- Desert Canyon Scenery
- Hiking opportunities
- Bass fishing
- Class I-II (very mellow)
- Season (May - June)
Trip Pricing
Adults: $995.00
Youth: $945.00 (12 and under)
Minimum Age: 5+ years
Price Includes: All camping gear (tents, sleeping bags and pads), meals from lunch on first day through lunch on the last day, splash jackets and pants (for cooler days on the river), personal vehicle shuttled during trip, no additional taxes or hidden fees.
The 3-Day Trip explores 35 miles of the John Day from Twickenham to Clarno.
As a free-flowing river without dams to moderate water flows, our “rafting window” is determined by the amount of winter snow and when that snow melts. The rafting season usually lasts from the beginning of May and into July. Each day on the river is a mix of peaceful floating, short hikes, riverside lunches and if conditions allow, fishing and swimming. This section of the John Day offers diverse geology with columnar basalt monoliths, towering buttes and the eroded red & green soils of ancient fossil-rich ecosystems common to nearby John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. We provide all of your camping and rafting gear and the guides prepare and serve delicious meals served on full-sized banquet tables. With very few rapids a John Day river trip is characterized by scenery, comfortable camping, hiking and lazy floating. This trip is perfect for groups and families looking for an easy whitewater rafting adventure.
What's it like?
Each day the guides will have coffee on between 6:30 am and 7:00 am and breakfast is served at 8:00 am. We start packing up at 9:00 am and try to be on the river by 10:00 am. Each day on the river is different and actual activities are chosen according to the general interests of the group. There are a wide variety of short hikes, swimming holes on side creeks, historic sites and places of interest to linger. You’ll also have the opportunity to move from raft to raft, relaxing in the oar raft, joining a crew in a paddle raft or going solo in an inflatable kayak. Learn more about the Types of Rafts.
John Day River 3-Day Trip Planning
Meeting Details
When: 9:00 am (Pacific Time)
Where: Twickenham Boat Launch
Your vehicle will be shuttled from our launch location to our take-out at Clarno during the trip (included in your trip fare).
PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE. Late Arrivals: If you need additional directions or will be late to the meeting location, please let us know. Orientation and packing takes about an hour. If we have not heard from you the trip will depart when ready.
Ouzel: 541-385-5947,
Service Creek Store: 541-468-3331
Drive Time to Twickenham:
The Dalles — 2 hrs, 10 min
Ontario — 4 hrs, 10 min
Boise — 6 hrs
Madras – 1 hr, 50 min
Bend – 2 hrs, 10 min
Portland – 3 hrs, 25 min
What to Pack
How the trip starts
What Ouzel Will Provide
“This trip exceeded my expectations in all ways. I have recommended it to many people and
wouldn't change a thing.” -Rachel V. (John Day River)