Northwest Chapter RMS John Day River Trip

May 16-19, 2014

The Northwest Chapter of the River Management Society (RMS), in partnership with PrinevilleBLM, is hosting aMay river trip on the John DayWild and Scenic River in North-central Oregon. The John Day is one of the nation’slongest free flowing rivers. Managed by BLM along with multiple partnering agencies, the John Daywinds through deep basalt canyons and is noted for its spectacular scenery, fish, wildlife and rich cultural resources. May is a gorgeous time of year with crisp, sunny days and cool nights before high visitation, leaving the river serene and quiet for the rest of us!

The Northwest Chapter trip will launch from the Clarno boat ramp and take-out at the Cottonwood boat ramp, for a total trip length of 70river miles (4 days/3 nights). The river has several Class III rapids. Floating can be somewhat technical in places depending on flow. Rafts, driftboats and kayaks are the preferred watercraft for this float. Driftboaters should be experienced rowers. Rafters should be comfortable with Class III rapids and be able to “follow the leader”. Kayakers should have solid Class III experience. If you don’t have the experience, it’s OK! There will be some open seats on experienced boater’s watercraft. Let us know, and we will do our best to arrange an open seat for you!

Trip Logistics

Registration: The trip is first open to RMS members for $150, then non-members.

Non-members wishing to join the trip will be charged $200($150 plus $50 which includes a one year membership to RMS). Registration is first-come, first-served and is limited to 16 participants (including host staff). To register, mail the registration form and a check (made out toJames Beaupre)for $150($200 non-members) to James Beaupre at the following address:

BLM

Attn: James Beaupre

3050 NE Third Street

Prineville, OR 97754

The deadline for registration is5/10/2014or when the maximum group size of 16 people is met, whichever comes first. A waiting list will be maintained in the event of a cancellation. Please keep in mind that registration fees are non-refundable – be sure of your availability before registering. Visit the River Management Society website at

to sign up as a member. Select the Professional membership for $50.

Pre-Trip Information: Participants should arrive at the Clarno boat ramp by 7:30 am on Friday, May 16, to prep boats and gear. Free primitive camping is available within 2 miles of the launch.

Floating Logistics: We will launch on Friday morning (May 16) by 10 AM from the Clarno boat rampand spend 4 days and 3 nights on the river, coming off on Monday afternoon (May 19) at the Cottonwood boat ramp. Packets with more detailed information will be provided to participants (river map, traveling routes, and a tripinformation packet).

Meals: Meals from lunch on 5/16 through lunch on 5/19 will be provided. Breakfast on 5/16 and Dinner on 5/19 are on your own.

Shuttles: Shuttles will be included in the trip cost.

Weather & Gear: Rain is possible in May and temperatures can range from below freezing to 70+ degrees. So please be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions. Confirmed participants will receive a recommended gear list with their trip packet.

Directions:

To the launch:

From I-84/Biggs Junction:

Head south on US 97 to Shaniko (~56 miles), turn onto State Hwy. 218 East and travel through the town of Antelope to the Clarno boat ramp (~23 miles) on the east side of the river.

From US 97/ Klamath Falls/Bend/Madras:

Head north on US 97 to State Hwy. 293 East (~ 17 miles north of Madras), travel on State Hwy. 293 East to Antelope (~14 miles). Turn right onto State Hwy. 218 East and travel ~ 15 miles to the Clarno boat ramp on the east side of the river.

From the take-out:

To US 97 North:

Head west (right out of parking lot) on State Hwy 206 through the town of Wasco to US 97 (~17 miles)

To US 97 South:

Head west (right out of parking lot) on State Hwy. 206 for ~3.5 miles to Monkland Road on the left (south side of hwy.) travel on Monkland Road to US 97 (~9.5 miles)

Post Trip Information: We should be off the river by mid-afternoon, Monday, May 19.

Camping is available near the take-out at the new Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Additional travel information will be sent to participants, including camping information for those wishing to spend an additional night in the area prior to traveling home.

For additional information on this trip, contact:

Jim Mueller or Jim Beaupre

(541) 416-6884 (541) 416-6776

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