John Day River
5-Day Rafting Trip
Highlights & Details
- Relaxing trip with very few rapids
- Fun fishing for bass
- Great hiking and scenery
- Class I-II (very mellow)
- Season (May - June)
Trip Pricing
Adults: $1359.00
Youth: $1309.00 (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.
Our John Day River 5-Day rafting trip explores 71 miles of breathtaking canyons from Clarno to JS Burnes State Park.
Enjoy the relaxed pace of a free-flowing river with few rapids, stunning scenery, interesting geology and rich natural history. The John Day follows a twisting path through a dramatic columnar basalt canyon. In our travels, we’ll explore Indian petroglyphs, historic homesteads and towering rock formations. Bird watching is exceptional and fishing for small-mouth bass can be extremely rewarding. With very few rapids a John Day 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 trip.
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 5-Day Trip Planning
Meeting Details
When: 9:00 am (Pacific Time)
Where: Clarno Boat Launch
Trips launch at the Clarno Boat Launch. Your vehicle will be shuttled from our launch location to our take out at Cottonwood Bridge 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 Office: 541-385-5947
Drive Time to Clarno Boat Ramp:
The Dalles – 2 hrs
Boise – 6 hrs
Madras – 1 hr
Bend – 2 hrs
Portland – 3 hrs, 15 min
What to Pack
How the trip starts
What Ouzel Will Provide
“Ali and Anthony are the best. They were professional, friendly, patient and totally AWESOME. Thank you for memories to last a lifetime!” -Robin K. (John Day River)