South Fork John Day River facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South Fork John Day River
South Fork John Day River at Dayville
Location of the mouth of the South Fork John Day River in Oregon
Country	United States
State	Oregon
County	Harney, Grant
Physical characteristics
Main source	near Alsup Mountain, Malheur National Forest, Harney County, Oregon 5,396 ft (1,645 m) 43°55′09″N 119°19′17″W / 43.91917°N 119.32139°W / 43.91917; -119.32139
River mouth	John Day River Dayville, Grant County, Oregon 2,326 ft (709 m) 44°28′26″N 119°32′10″W / 44.47389°N 119.53611°W / 44.47389; -119.53611
Length	60 mi (97 km)
Basin features
Basin size	606 sq mi (1,570 km2)
National Wild and Scenic River
Type:	Recreational
Designated:	October 28, 1988

The South Fork John Day River is a 60-mile (97 km) tributary of the John Day River in the U.S. state of Oregon. It begins in the Malheur National Forest in Harney County about 25 miles (40 km) north-northwest of Burns and flows generally north to Dayville, where it meets the main stem of the John Day River. Along the way, the stream passes through the abandoned town of Izee. Black Canyon Wilderness in the Ochoco National Forest lies within the river's drainage basin.

A total of 47 miles (76 km) of the river, from the Malheur National Forest boundary to Smoky Creek, are classified "recreational" in the National Wild and Scenic River (NWSR) system and offer opportunities for hiking, swimming, camping, hunting, and fishing.