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North Fork John Day Trail

Umatilla National Forest, Oregon · 4 min read

Distance
23 mi
Elevation Gain
2,800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
June through October
Est. Time
8-12 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Old-growth ponderosa pine up to 300 years old with characteristic orange-plated bark and open canopy
  • North Fork John Day River, a pristine cold-water fishery supporting wild chinook salmon and bull trout
  • North Fork John Day Wilderness: 121,000 acres of undeveloped canyon and forest
  • Abundant elk, deer, and black bear throughout the wilderness corridor
  • Some of the most intact old-growth ponderosa forest remaining in the Pacific Northwest
riverwildlifeold growthviews

Overview

The North Fork John Day Trail runs 23 miles through the heart of the North Fork John Day Wilderness in Umatilla National Forest, following a river canyon that has never been logged or significantly developed. The old-growth ponderosa pine here is among the finest in Oregon, with trees that reach 200 to 300 years of age standing in open, parklike groves above a river that still supports wild salmon runs.

This is a trail for hikers who want genuine wilderness character. The route requires either a vehicle shuttle or a long out-and-back; most parties plan a 3 to 4 day traverse. There are no facilities along the route, and water from the river needs treatment. The reward is access to a forest ecosystem that has been largely unchanged for decades, and a river that feels alive in a way that few West Coast rivers still do.

The Route

Miles 0 to 6: Campground to Granite Creek. The trail begins at the North Fork John Day Campground on FR-52 and drops immediately into the river canyon. The first six miles establish the character of the entire route: old ponderosa pine on the canyon slopes, cottonwood and alder along the river bottom, and the river itself clear and cold even in late summer. Granite Creek enters from the east at mile 6, a good first-day campsite spot on a broad gravel bar.

Miles 6 to 14: Deep canyon through the wilderness core. This is the most remote section of the trail. The canyon narrows in places, pushing the trail close to the water. Old-growth trees here reach their greatest diameter, some exceeding 30 inches at chest height. Elk trails cross the route frequently. The river pools are deep and clear, with boulders visible on the bottom 8 to 10 feet down. During October, chinook salmon are visible in these pools, resting after their upstream migration.

Miles 14 to 23: Upper canyon and trail end. The canyon walls ease in the upper section, and the trail gains more elevation as it approaches the far trailhead near Camas Creek. The forest transitions from pure ponderosa to mixed ponderosa and grand fir at higher elevations. The trail ends at the Camas Creek Trailhead off FR-5506.

When to Hike

June is the earliest reliable access. Snowpack at higher elevations usually clears by mid-June in normal years; call the Umatilla Ranger District to confirm before planning an early-season trip. The river is high in June but crossings are manageable.

July through September offer the most comfortable conditions. Temperatures in the canyon bottom are warm (80s to 90s in August), but the ponderosa canopy provides shade through much of the day. Water levels drop, making crossings easy. Fishing is excellent from July through September.

October is outstanding for wildlife and fall colors. Chinook are in the river, elk are bugling, and the canyon cottonwoods turn gold. Temperatures cool rapidly after mid-October.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water capacity on this route, filtering from the river as needed. A reliable filter is essential; do not rely on the river water without treatment. Bear-aware food storage is recommended; black bears use the river corridor regularly. See our bear canister guide for USFS recommendations.

Lightweight camp shoes that double as crossing footwear make the multiple ford crossings much more comfortable. In July and August, sandals or neoprene water shoes work well. In June and October, waterproof boots are the better choice.

Trailhead Access

The lower (east) trailhead is at North Fork John Day Campground on FR-52, reached from Ukiah, Oregon via US-395 south and then FR-52 west. The drive from Pendleton is about 2 hours. The upper (west) trailhead is near Camas Creek off FR-5506, accessed from Granite, Oregon. Cell service is absent in the wilderness.

Nearby

The Wenaha River Trail is the other major wilderness route in Umatilla National Forest, equally remote but in canyon country rather than pine forest. The South Fork Umatilla River Trail offers a shorter day-hike option in a similar river canyon setting. Review our Leave No Trace principles before any multi-day wilderness trip.

Trailhead Parking

North Fork John Day Campground Trailhead on FR-52, about 35 miles south of Ukiah. Developed parking with vault toilet. No fee for day hiking. Vehicle shuttles required for full point-to-point.

← Back to Umatilla National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the North Fork John Day Trail special?
The trail passes through one of the most significant remaining old-growth ponderosa pine forests in Oregon. Most ponderosa stands in the Blue Mountains were heavily logged in the 20th century; the wilderness designation has protected this area from timber harvest since 1984. Trees 200 to 300 years old are common, and the river corridor supports wild salmon that have traveled hundreds of miles from the Pacific Ocean.
Can I fish along the North Fork John Day Trail?
Yes. The North Fork John Day River is a designated Wild and Scenic River corridor and one of Oregon's premier cold-water fisheries. Wild chinook salmon and steelhead run the river in fall, and bull trout, a federally threatened species, are present year-round. Oregon fishing regulations apply; check current seasons and bag limits with ODFW before fishing.
How long does a full traverse of the North Fork John Day Trail take?
Most backpackers complete the 23-mile traverse in 3 to 4 days, averaging 6 to 8 miles per day. Day hikers can access the lower canyon from the trailhead campground and explore the first 5 to 8 miles as an out-and-back.