Just got back from rafting Service Creek to Clarno and it was awesome. You seem to have encountered fewer rapids than we did. When my husband was dropping one of the cars off at clarno, he met an older gentleman who floats the river every year and he did say that our section had more rapids. The wind was BRUTAL on our second day and my poor husband was having a rough go of it. But great scenery, I think our section has more farmlands and no significant wildlife. Will definitely have to do clarno to cottonwood next year and we’re already planning it. Cheers and see you on the river!
Glad to hear you had a great trip and some good rapids. We encountered a windy day as well. It tends to pick up in the late afternoon and we had to paddle farther than we wanted to find a camp that wasn't taken. We prefer to be off the river before it gets too late in the day. Maybe one day we'll run into you. Cheers!
Thats a hard one to answer. The depth is always changing. Its deeper in the pools and gets shallow before the riffles. We dont know the John Day well enough to know what the lowest level a raft can get through on.
Thank you for the information was extremely helpful hoping to take the wife and kids down this summer. It seems like you guys have been doing this for quite some time and have some experience. By any chance do you know of any white water/rafting groups that I could link up with to learn or do floats with to learn good habits versus trial by fire.
@@mikeward7915 There are some whitewater associations like American white water association, and Oregon whitewater association. There is also a Washington recreational river runners association. I (Si) also recommend doing a guide school if possible. It would be so much fun and you would learn a ton. I did One in 2000 and it changed my life by getting more in boating a meeting so many awesome people. I would love to get back on the John Day again this year too!
@@mikeward7915 I (Andréa) use to live in Olympia. It is soooooo beautiful there I miss it dearly. Hoping you're able to explore the rivers with your family this summer. Thanks for taking the time to watch our video. Cheers ✨!
It’s a beautiful river and a great experience. FYI - it’s extremely inconsiderate to assemble your rafts and gear on the boat launch. As you admitted in the beginning, it was going to take a couple of hours. Very frustrating for other rafters that come prepared and find groups blocking the ramp for extended times. Always have your raft inflated, frame on and ready to load before taking it to the ramp. Glad you had a fun and safe trip.
In this case there were no other boaters in site. In general, we have never prevented other boaters from launching ahead of us. We are always mindful to make room. Sounds like you may have had a different experience. Not all boaters are privileged to own trailers that can accommodate multiple inflated boats. Please direct your frustrations elsewhere.
Anyone raft a different section of this river and care to share what you enjoyed most about it?
thanks for posting. my friends and I go every spring.
Lucky you. Hope it's a good trip for you this year. Cheers!
Just got back from rafting Service Creek to Clarno and it was awesome. You seem to have encountered fewer rapids than we did. When my husband was dropping one of the cars off at clarno, he met an older gentleman who floats the river every year and he did say that our section had more rapids. The wind was BRUTAL on our second day and my poor husband was having a rough go of it. But great scenery, I think our section has more farmlands and no significant wildlife. Will definitely have to do clarno to cottonwood next year and we’re already planning it. Cheers and see you on the river!
Glad to hear you had a great trip and some good rapids. We encountered a windy day as well. It tends to pick up in the late afternoon and we had to paddle farther than we wanted to find a camp that wasn't taken. We prefer to be off the river before it gets too late in the day. Maybe one day we'll run into you. Cheers!
Looks fun! Man that coffee was too coarsely ground. Need it finer for a pour over. haha
I hear yeah! Lets hope for some permits to have coffee on the river real soon. Let us know if you get any permits! Cheers
Nice looks warm
Just the right temperature.
What was the average depth of the water? We're looking to go down the summer and Looking to see how much draft we need on the boats. Thank you!
Thats a hard one to answer. The depth is always changing. Its deeper in the pools and gets shallow before the riffles. We dont know the John Day well enough to know what the lowest level a raft can get through on.
Those basalt cliffs remind me of Idaho and the Payette River!
Aren't they incredible? Would love to do some exploring in Idaho some day. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
it was a fun trip
Sure was. Glad you came along!
What month did you guys take this trip? We are looking at doing this.
Hi! We went in July I believe. You're gonna love it!
which section did you float?
From Clarno to Cottonwood
How did you move your vehicles ? I was told that there's a company that you can pay to move your vehicle .
We hired Service Creek Shuttles. They have a good reputation and 3 or more vehicles gets a discount if requested.
Thank you for the information was extremely helpful hoping to take the wife and kids down this summer. It seems like you guys have been doing this for quite some time and have some experience. By any chance do you know of any white water/rafting groups that I could link up with to learn or do floats with to learn good habits versus trial by fire.
Probably should’ve added where I’m at LOL😁
I’m in Olympia Washington
@@mikeward7915 There are some whitewater associations like American white water association, and Oregon whitewater association. There is also a Washington recreational river runners association. I (Si) also recommend doing a guide school if possible. It would be so much fun and you would learn a ton. I did One in 2000 and it changed my life by getting more in boating a meeting so many awesome people. I would love to get back on the John Day again this year too!
@@mikeward7915 I (Andréa) use to live in Olympia. It is soooooo beautiful there I miss it dearly. Hoping you're able to explore the rivers with your family this summer. Thanks for taking the time to watch our video. Cheers ✨!
It’s a beautiful river and a great experience. FYI - it’s extremely inconsiderate to assemble your rafts and gear on the boat launch. As you admitted in the beginning, it was going to take a couple of hours. Very frustrating for other rafters that come prepared and find groups blocking the ramp for extended times. Always have your raft inflated, frame on and ready to load before taking it to the ramp. Glad you had a fun and safe trip.
In this case there were no other boaters in site. In general, we have never prevented other boaters from launching ahead of us. We are always mindful to make room. Sounds like you may have had a different experience. Not all boaters are privileged to own trailers that can accommodate multiple inflated boats. Please direct your frustrations elsewhere.