Clarno State Recreation Site

Clarno offers convenient boat access to the scenic John Day River in Wheeler County, featuring a developed boat ramp that serves as a key launch point for the river's most picturesque sections. The site provides access to over 78,000 acres of public lands and marks the transition between sections 3B and 2A of the river. Boaters can also load and unload vessels under the adjacent bridge. If you're using a shuttle vehicle parked elsewhere, an overflow lot is available a quarter-mile north via dirt road beyond the bridge.

**Important motor restrictions apply between Service Creek and Clarno from May 1 to September 30, when only electric motors are permitted—no restrictions exist upstream of Service Creek.** Downstream, the next major ramps are Twickenham (approximately 10 miles away with paved access) and Priest Hole (roughly 10 miles further). Nearby recreation includes the John Day Wild and Scenic River corridor and the scenic Spring Basin Wilderness area.

Please be courteous with other users and keep the ramp clear during loading and unloading to maintain efficient shuttle operations. The site is located on OR 218 north of Clarno, making it accessible for paddlers seeking to explore this outstanding section of the John Day River.