Location: John Day
Top Things to do in John Day
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Top 5 Things to do in John Day, United States
John Day is a city located about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Canyon City in Grant County, Oregon, at the intersection of U.S. Routes 26 and 395. The city was named for the nearby John Day River, which had been named for a Virginian member of the 1811 Astor Expedition, John Day. The city was incorporated in 1901.
Restaurants in John Day
1. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By Crt1943 - Rio Vista, California
We came upon this Journey Through Time Scenic Highway by accident. It was marvelous. We stopped and hiked the Blue Basin and were awe struck by the blue rock formations as we hiked the basin. That was so spectacular the we drove to the Painted Hills and hiked that and the Hills were spectacular. Highly recommend taking your time through this land and visit the visitor center.
2. Grant County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By OutdoorBoomer - Kennewick, Washington
This is a great place! Funky museum loaded with all sorts of quirky stuff and local history. Photos, collections, knickknacks, even the skulls of the 2nd and 3rd men hung in the county...There is something interesting for everyone. We have stopped there several times. It is hard to take it all in during a single visit. Stop for one hour or stop for many. You are sure to enjoy!
3. Kam Wah Chung and Company Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By EffStop - Meadow Vista, California
A preserved outpost for the Chinese dating back to the Gold Rush era. Two partners owned the business, one a herbalist, the other more outgoing businessman. A complementary pair made a success of the establishment. Because of the illness of the last remaining partner the business was closed up with it's stock intact. The intended return and reopening never happened. The place was closed for decades before it was discovered and turned into a museum. As with many Chinese gathering centers in the west it was more than a store. A refuge for the Chinese, a boarding house for distant visitors, religious shrines for prayer. A place to be with one's own in relative safety.
You follow the signs to a visitor center where you can enjoy the exhibits until your appointed tour time. You're then directed to the house & meet the ranger conducting the tour. Tours are on the hour until 4 pm and limited due to space inside the house. We had no problem getting a tour ticket for the next tour.
4. John Day River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Shirley G - Springfield, Oregon
I stayed in the State Park campground in John Day. This park is makes enjoying the John Day River easy. I wanted to make sure I had plenty of time to explore and hike. The John Day river is one of Oregon's treasures for sure.
Loved seeing all the rafters and people fishing. Clear and clean water and the colors of the rocks around the banks makes for some great photo's.
Plan to spend a great deal of time and don't cut your visit short!
5. Malheur National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Gigi F - Boise, Idaho
I did a spontaneous, quick road trip from Boise, ID. I picked Malheur National Forest as I haven't been there and it was a short 3 hour drive.
It is beautiful and I look forward to exploring more of it. I can see coming back and hitting different spots. There are many areas of Malheur worth exploring. Additionally, the towns in the middle of the valley Prairie City, John Day, and Dayville offer simple amenities such as food, gas, overnight accommodations while driving on Highway 26, the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.
I hiked Strawberry Mountain and Onion Creek Trail #368, Both were breathtaking and both I want to come back and hike farther into the trails. I went beginning of October and experienced light snow, rain, hail, fog, and sunshine at different spots in the hike. It was a wonderful experience. It was 35 degrees in the mountain, but it didn't feel terrible. It felt very refreshing.
Both hikes are accessed off the same road. About a half mile from each other. The different websites online give directions from John Day and Prairie. My opinion, the easiest way is going south from Prairie City. South on Main St. When it comes to a T, turn left, then the 2nd street, Bridge St, right right which becomes State Road 60. You will drive about 11 miles. The road leads right into Strawberry Mountain. You will see Onion Creek Trail on the right. Keeping going about 1/2 mile to a mile for Strawberry Mountain trail-head which will be on the left.
