John Day River (Wheeler County) Boat Ramps

Every public boat ramp and launch on John Day River in Oregon, with directions and what to expect when you get there.

14 public launches · 6 with trailer ramps · 6 carry-in kayak/canoe launches · 10 confirmed free · 6 with restrooms

Today

Before you launch in Oregon

🧼 All vehicles carrying motorized or nonmotorized boats must stop at open inspection stations.

Links go to official Oregon agency pages.

Counties: Wheeler County, Grant County, Gilliam County

Ramps and launches

Show only:

Priest Hole Recreation Site

Fossil, Wheeler County

Launch: Trailer launch
Lanes: 1
Surface: Unpaved
Fee: Free
Restroom: Yes
Nearest town: 41 mi from Prineville

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions: Priest Hole is located on the John Day River about 12 miles from Mitchell, Oregon. From Prineville, head east on Highway 26 and turn north on Burnt Ranch Road toward the John Day Fossil Beds, Painted Hills Unit. Pass the Painted Hills and follow the gravel road for three miles. Take a right (uphill) at the junction of Priest Hole or Burnt Ranch Rec Sites. From there, take a left downhill, followin

Directions

Clarno State Recreation Site

Fossil, Wheeler County

Launch: Trailer launch
Lanes: 1
Fee: Free
Restroom: Yes
Nearest town: 46 mi from Prineville

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions

Kimberly

Heppner, Grant County

Launch: Trailer launch
Lanes: 1
Fee: Free
Restroom: No
Nearest town: 77 mi from Hermiston

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions

Muleshoe Boat Launch

Fossil, Wheeler County

Launch: Trailer launch
Lanes: 1
Fee: Free
Restroom: Yes
Nearest town: 55 mi from Prineville

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions: From Spray, Oregon : Drive 10.5 miles west along State Highway 19/207. The campground is on the left side of the highway.

Directions

Shady Grove

Fossil, Wheeler County

Launch: Trailer launch
Lanes: 1
Fee: Free
Restroom: No
Nearest town: 74 mi from Hermiston

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions

Wooden Bridge

Fossil, Wheeler County

Launch: Trailer launch
Lanes: 1
Fee: Free
Restroom: No
Nearest town: 57 mi from Prineville

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions

Thirtymile Boat Launch

Condon, Gilliam County

Launch: Carry-in (kayak, canoe)
Lanes: 1
Surface: Ground
Fee: Free
Restroom: No
Nearest town: 46 mi from The Dalles

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-447-8757 · Website

Directions

Lower Burnt Ranch

Fossil, Wheeler County

Launch: Carry-in (kayak, canoe)
Surface: Unpaved
Fee: Free
Restroom: No
Nearest town: 39 mi from Prineville

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions

Service Creek Boat Launch

Fossil, Wheeler County

Launch: Carry-in (kayak, canoe)
Lanes: 1
Fee: Yes
Restroom: Yes
Nearest town: 53 mi from Prineville

Managed by Bureau of Land Management · 541-416-6700 · Website

Directions: From Service Creek, Oregon : Drive 0.5 miles east along State Highway 19, the John Day Highway. Turn right onto State Highway 207 and continue for 0.3 mile. The recreation site is on the left side of the highway.

Directions