Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the wide sweeping John Day River, where geological wonders and stunning scenery await at every turn. While the towns in this area are spaced out, the well-laid Scenic Byways ensure an effortless journey through this captivating Central Oregon region.
Steeped in pioneer history, this historic region boasts an array of unique attractions, including the renowned John Day Fossil Beds and the enchanting Painted Hills. Explore ancient landscapes and delve into the rich heritage of the area as you embark on an unforgettable adventure along the John Day River.
Discover the unique attractions of the John Day region, offering insights into its natural beauty and geological wonders:
While in short supply, there are lodging options near our meeting locations in Service Creek, OR, and Clarno, OR. For a convenient accommodation, consider the following:
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the John Day region by camping at one of the many scenic campgrounds. Find your perfect camping spot at:
If you’re unable to secure accommodations near our meeting points, consider exploring nearby towns such as The Dalles, Biggs Junction, Madras, and Condon. These towns offer additional lodging options and are within a convenient distance from Service Creek and Clarno.
Explore local dining options amidst the tranquil landscapes of the John Day region. While choices may be limited, you can still enjoy simple yet satisfying meals at the following establishments:
The North Santiam River offers a great introduction to whitewater rafting. Conveniently located near Salem and Portland, it's a great river to raft year round. Our half-day and full-day options include lots of swimming opportunities, crystal clear water and mild, splashy rapids like Spencer's Hole, Carnivore and Mill City Falls. It's a river rafting trip suitable for everyone, whether they be novices or a veteran rafter.
The beautiful McKenzie River is located just East of Eugene and is one of our favorite rafting runs in the Willamette Valley. Swift, crystal clear water moves along a tree-lined river bank and is full of fun Class II+ rapids. With half-day to two-day trips available, there is plenty of great camping, hiking, fishing and whitewater to enjoy.
The Wild & Scenic Sandy River is an early season delight, as the water generally starts to drop by early June. It courses its way down the slopes of Mt Hood and drops into the Cascade foothills before joining the Columbia River. A great option to see the lesser known portion of this surprising scenic trip that is still close to town.
Oregon's #1 most popular one-day white water rafting trip. The Wild & Scenic Deschutes River rafting trip flows through high desert with consistent and exciting Class III-IV white water rapids. Suitable for beginners, your rafting trip also features world-class fishing and lots of wildlife. This river is only 2 hours from Portland and offers lots of sunshine and swimming even when Western Oregon is cloudy.
The Wild & Scenic Clackamas River is rated as one of the best rafting adventures in Oregon and is only a 45 minute drive from Portland's East side. An unbeatable combination. Three thrilling Class II or Class III+ white water rafting trips are available to choose from. Our half-day trips on the Lower Clackamas are perfect for those new to rafting or with smaller kids. The Upper Clackamas offers a more thrilling rafting adventure. The full-day Upper Clackamas Experience is the most thrilling white water rafting trip we offer. This river has it all.
Our office is open 7 days a week during the months of April–October from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are available for reservations and customer support during these hours. During the months of November-March are open Monday through Friday.
Oregon River Experiences offers trips launching from various points across Oregon. Detailed departure information for each river trip can be found on our individual trip pages.
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