North Fork John Day River – Dale to Monument

FLOW

• USGS Gage: North Fork John Day River at Monument, OR
• NOAA Northwest River Forecast Center: North Fork John Day River at Monument, OR
• NOAA Northwest River Forecast Center Extended 45 to 120 Day Forecast
• The season is late spring snowmelt
• Recommended range is 800 - 10,000 cfs. Above 2500-3000 cfs the run is Class III-III+; below 2500 cfs it is Class II+

PUT-INS & TAKE-OUTS

• Just upstream of the Camas Creek confluence at a river access site on river left (across the river from Highway 395) where Haden Creek joins the North Fork John Day.
• Alternate put-ins: (1) river right downstream of the Camas Creek confluence; (2) at Tollbridge Campground; (3) upstream Forest Service sites to extend the run and add more class III whitewater.
• The take-out is a developed BLM river access in Monument Park on river right about 1/2 mile downstream of the Hwy 402 Bridge.

ON THE RIVER

• The most significant rapids are in the first 10 miles.
• Above 2500-3000 cfs, four named rapids are Class III- III+, and there are at least 20 Class II rapids.
• Below 2500 cfs, the four named rapids are Class II+.
• Additional class II rapids continue all the way to the take-out and include several fun surf waves.
• “The river feels like one giant class II rapid keeping you moving down stream with ease” (Whitewater Guidebook)
• Soggy Sneakers has a detailed description.

LOGISTICS

Permits

• Self-issued BLM permits are available at kiosks in Monument and Camas Creek.

Guides, Maps & Online Resources

• See  American Whitewater, Soggy Sneakers, and Whitewater Guidebook.

Car Shuttles

• Driving distance from put-in to take-out is approximately 90 minutes.
• Shuttles are available in the towns of Monument, Service Creek, and Dale.

Water, Human Waste, and Fires

• River water can be filtered or carried.
• Human waste must be carried out.
• A fire pan is required for campfires, and ashes must be packed out. Cutting standing vegetation, either dead or alive, is not allowed. No fires are allowed from June 1 through October 15.

• Suitable Activities: Packrafting
• Seasons: March, April, May, June
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Class II River, Class III River
• Length: 45.0 mi

• Land Manager: Oregon-Washington BLM
• Parking Permit Required: BLM Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12