John Day River passes go live on Friday at 7 a.m.
A message from the Bureau of Land Management:
Dear John Day River Boater,
The remaining permits to float the John Day River during the limited season dates of May 1 - July 15 will be released and available for reservation on Recreation.gov on Friday, May 29th at 7am Pacific Time.
Helpful tips:
An online permit from Recreation.gov is required to boat between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls from May 1 - July 15.
We encourage you to visit Recreation.gov ahead of time, to become familiar with the site and to create an account if you don't already have one. To create an account, click "Sign Up" in the upper right corner of the Recreation.gov screen.
To get a permit, you will need to select an 'Overnight Trip' or a 'Day-Use Trip'. This is a direct link to Overnight Permits. This is a direct link to Day-Use Permits.
You will need to know your Entry Segment. You can view a Segment Map here. A permit allows you to launch in the river segment and on the date printed on your permit. Only one permit is needed per group for your entire trip.
Once you select your River Segment and Entry Date, you will have at least 15 minutes to complete your purchase.
Alternate trip leaders must be listed at the time the permit is purchased and cannot be added later. We suggest you consider listing an alternate. Each person may be listed as a trip leader or alternate on one overnight permit and up to three day-use permits at a time. If a person has reached their limit of permits, they will need to cancel a permit or run one of their trips in order to get another permit.
Please have several alternate launch dates in mind in case your first choice is unavailable.
If you are not successful at first, try back in a few minutes or later in the day. Check frequently for cancellations, these permits are immediately returned to the inventory and available for reservation by another boater.
If you are unable to use your permit, please cancel it as soon as possible to allow another boater to use your space and to avoid being identified as a 'No Show'. To cancel your permit, log into your Recreation.gov account and select 'My Account', then 'My Reservations'. If you need to cancel and you have already printed your permit, please send an email immediately to BLM_OR_PR_JDRiver_Study@blm.gov and we will cancel it for you.
Permit fees are $20 per group for an overnight trip, and $10 per group for a day use trip. Permit fees are non-refundable.
If you have questions, please reply to this email.
Covid-19 Suggested Practices:
River groups need to provide their own PPE and cleaning supplies to maintain clean operations on the water and in camp (kitchens, toilets, etc.).
Maintain a 6 ft. distance from those not your in immediate household. Keep 6 ft. spacing between vehicles.
Be efficient at boat ramps. Only one group should use a boat ramp at a time unless 6 ft. spacing can be achieved. Keep your boating group consolidated within their party.
Limit the number of people in the shuttle to only the necessary drivers. Clean vehicle surfaces after use and have drivers/passengers wear masks.
Expect limited capacity by local search and rescue personnel.
Stay home if you are sick.
Thank you,
John Day River Staff
BLM Central Oregon Field Office
3050 NE 3rd Street
Prineville, OR 97754
