John Day River Basin

Steve Roelof   Website

voices

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

“If I have to pick a favorite place in Oregon’s high desert, it would be Sutton Mountain, but I’m excited about all of the Wilderness Study Areas,” says Terry, adding, “Each is a gem to explore, and I hope they all get protection someday… I love the scale of the physical beauty of the desert.”

fact

Western Rattlesnake

Western Rattlesnake

Also known as the Great Basin Rattlesnake, these pit vipers have buff-tan coloring and small, oval blotches to blend into their arid surroundings. Small heat-sensing indentations on each side of the snake’s snout detects warm-blooded prey for better striking accuracy in the dark. Source: The Oregon Encyclopedia

Latin name: Crotalus oreganus lutosus

fact

Bitteroot

Bitteroot

Bitteroot blooms on north-facing cliffs in western North America.

The Paiute name for bitteroot is kangedya. Traditional Native American uses of the plant included eating the roots, mixed with berries and meat, and using the roots to treat sore throats.

 

Home to Wild Waters

The John Day River Basin, in northeastern Oregon, is ruggedly beautiful country holding mountainous terrain, steep river canyons, and rich wildlife habitat.

Absent of dams and among the longest free-flowing rivers in the nation, the John Day River is home to wild steelhead, Chinook salmon, bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout, and interior redband trout.

Sutton Mountain

Mark Darnell

Horseshoe Bend

Spring Basin

Jim Davis   Website

Lower John Day

Steve Roelof   Website

Spring Basin

Jim Davis   Website

Cottonwood Canyon

Jessica Brothers

A Record of Ancient History

The John Day River Basin is a geologic wonder, where Oregon’s ancient history is on display. The region’s famous John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a starting point for exploring 50 million years of natural wonders.

Preserving a Native Fish Stronghold

For decades, Oregon Natural Desert Association has aimed to protect and restore this region’s natural legacy. From critical habitat for fish and wildlife, to the captivating experience the region offers visitors and beyond, the John Day River Basin is worthy of strong conservation action. ONDA’s vision for new protections centers on Sutton Mountain.

Our favorite places in the John Day River Basin