Welcome to the John Day River

Welcome to the John Day River. . You are standing in the middle of a lively watershed. Supporting a diverse community of aquatic and terrestrial life, the John Day River is the longest free-flowing river west of the Rocky Mountains, flowing over 280 miles to its mouth at the Columbia River. , Made up of four branches, the John Day River Basin carries water out of the Blue Mountains, sustaining orchards and crops. livestock, and human communities. Plateau Indian fishing traditions are also intwined with the river, recalling a time the it was named the Hah-Hah. , Most of the John Day River has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River for its outstanding natural and cultural values. , , Who Was John Day? , The river was named for a fur trapper from Virginia who sought opportunities in Oregon in the early 1800s. En route to Astoria, John Day and companion were confronted by American Indians at the mouth of the John Day River. Although the two were stripped of their possessions, including clothes, they still managed to reach help. Later, Oregon Trail travelers along the Columbia River would point out the site of the incident, thus re-naming the river. , The River Trail , Beginning to your left, this 1/4 mile trail will take you to the banks of the John Day River. The trail has a gentle slope and is accessible to those in wheelchairs. , Several interpretive exhibits feature sights along the way. There is a picnic table under the shade of a tree at the end of the trail. , Established in 1975, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is managed by the National Park Service for the benefit of the public.