John Day River Territory

11/11/2024

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veterans 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Their dedication, courage, and sacrifice have protected our freedom and upheld the values we cherish.

To all veterans and their families—thank you for your service and commitment. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and we are forever grateful.

If you’re a veteran or know one, please share a story or memory in the comments below. Let’s celebrate and remember the heroes among us.

31/10/2024

🎃 Happy Halloween from John Day River Territory! 🎃

Wishing you a spooktacular day filled with treats, tricks, and all the autumn magic our beautiful region brings! Whether you’re out for a haunting adventure, sharing ghost stories by the fire, or just soaking up the crisp fall air, have a safe and fang-tastic Halloween!

👻🕸️ Show us your Halloween spirit! Share your costumes, pumpkin carvings, or eerie landscapes in the comments below.

Stay spooky, everyone!

30/09/2024

🚧 Priest Hole Closure Notice 🚧

Starting October 1, 2024, the Priest Hole Recreation Site will be closed for upgrades. The site is expected to reopen in May 2025. We appreciate your patience as these improvements are made to enhance the experience for all visitors.

Below are photos of the posted information at Priest Hole regarding the closure. For additional details or questions, please contact the BLM Prineville District at (541) 416-6700.

Thank you for your understanding!

16/09/2024

Join Adrian Klein to photograph the geological wonders of the John Day region. Layers of colorful rock from rich reds to bright blues will be waiting for you at a couple locations we plan to visit. This small group workshop is your chance to photograph and get feedback, to help you think and grow as a photographer. From the golden hours that bookend a day to the brighter light in between you will learn there is no such thing as bad light, just different ideas in what and how to photograph or process a scene. Opportunities will range from small close-up scenes to the larger landscape. Adrian often prefers to keep an open mind on the subjects he comes across rather than always having preconceived goals of a specific final result ahead of time.

Beyond the field locations we will visit throughout the day, there will be the chance for optional meals together. I have found over the years that time discussing photography informally through meals is almost as important as time photographing in the field as a group. While we will start and end in Spray be prepared for driving part of the time to reach each location, as far as ~1hr with focus along the highway 19 and 26 loop. Car pooling is encouraged. A final schedule will be handed out Friday 10/4 during the evening presentation event for those attending the workshop the following day yet be prepared for meeting up well before sunrise to drive to the first location. If you have specific questions about the workshop don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected].

12/08/2024

Clarno Unit of the 📸
Photo Credit:

05/08/2024

Happy Monday from the beautiful Strawberry Mountains! 🌄🐄 Here’s to a week as peaceful and content as this herd of cows grazing in the serene landscape.

03/08/2024

Embrace the journey ahead on this serene, winding road through the heart of nature. No cars, no crowds, just the peaceful embrace of the open road and the beauty that surrounds it. 🚶‍♂️🌳

02/08/2024

📸✨ Forget the Filter! ✨📸

There’s no need for filters at the Painted Hills, one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. The natural beauty here speaks for itself! Come and experience the vibrant colors and stunning landscapes that make the Painted Hills a true marvel. 🌈🏞️

22/07/2024

Tonight, the Community of Fossil warmly invites evacuees, hosts, fire personnel, and volunteers to an Appreciation Dinner at Isobel Edwards Hall. Come join us as we say a heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed their efforts and support during these challenging times.

📍 Location: Isobel Edwards Hall, 702 Third Street, Fossil, OR
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM

It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together, share experiences, and enjoy a meal as one community. Your bravery, generosity, and resilience mean so much, and we look forward to expressing our gratitude in person. See you there!

19/07/2024

Attention residents of Spray, Oregon:
Due to the ongoing emergency, all residents are ordered to EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY.

There is a designated emergency shelter located at Wheeler High School, 600 E B St, Fossil, Oregon.

Your safety is our top priority. Do not delay. Gather your essential belongings and pets, and leave your homes immediately.

Stay safe and follow all instructions from emergency personnel.

Wheeler County Sheriff's Office

18/07/2024

Urgent Community Alert: Evacuation Centers Open for Lone Rock Fire Evacuees

If you are evacuating due to the Lone Rock Fire, please note the following locations are available for your immediate use:

• Wheeler County Fairgrounds
• Address: 720 E 3rd St, Fossil, OR
• Facilities: Showers and public restrooms available.
• Important: Please DO NOT drive on the T-Ball field.
• Fossil Fairgrounds
• First Baptist Church
• Wheeler High School and Gym

These centers have been opened to provide shelter and basic amenities to all Wheeler County evacuees. Your safety is our top priority. Please follow all safety instructions and evacuate promptly if you are in the affected area.

For more updates, stay tuned to local emergency services and community alerts.

11:29 PM UPDATE: Earlier this evening, a Level 3 (GO - Evacuate Now) evacuation notice was issued for the City of Spray due to rapid and unpredictable fire behavior from the Lone Rock Fire in the vicinity.

After careful consideration and monitoring of the situation, the evacuation notice for the City of Spray is being downgraded to Level 2 (BE SET - Be Ready to Evacuate). This decision is based on the current assessment of fire activity and efforts by firefighting personnel.

Residents within the City of Spray limits should remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate at short notice. While the immediate evacuation order is lifted, it is crucial to understand that the danger posed by the fire still exists. Only residents who are comfortable and confident in their ability to stay safely should choose to remain.

Ultimately, the decision to evacuate or stay rests with each individual adult resident.

Please assess your situation carefully and prioritize your safety. Stay connected and monitor your phones and local media for any updates or changes in the fire situation.

The Wheeler County Sheriff's Office continues to closely monitor the fire situation and will provide updates as necessary.

We urge all residents to remain prepared.

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Original Post:

Wildfire Alert from Wheeler County Sheriff's Office: Level 3 - GO NOW - Evacuate immediately from SPRAY, OR - ESCAPE towards FOSSIL!

16/07/2024

EVACUATION CENTER for Wheeler County evacuees has been OPENED at the Wheeler County Fairgrounds located at 720 E 3RD ST in FOSSIL. The evacuation center has access to showers and public restrooms. DO NOT DRIVE ON THE T-BALL FIELD.

12/07/2024

🌠 Create Your Own Stargazing Adventure! 🌌

While spots for the final Night Sky event at Cottonwood Canyon are all filled up, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the wonders of the night sky! Keep an eye on the link for any last-minute availability:

https://tinyurl.com/mr2mrcyc

In the meantime, why not plan your own magical stargazing night? Here’s how:

1. Find the Right Spot: Choose a location away from city lights for clearer skies. A backyard, nearby field, or local park can be perfect.
2. Check the Weather: Ensure the skies will be clear.
3. Bring the Right Gear: A blanket, comfortable chair, or a sleeping bag can enhance your experience. Use a telescope or binoculars if available.
4. Use a Star Map: Apps like SkyView or Star Walk help identify constellations and planets.
5. Plan Your Timing: Aim for a night when the moon isn’t full for the best visibility.
6. Make It Fun: Bring snacks, warm drinks, and maybe some fun astronomy-themed activities.

🌟 Share Your Experience: We’d love to see your stargazing setups! Tag us and use to share your night under the stars.

enjoy creating your own stargazing memories!

10/07/2024

🦌✨ Wildlife Wednesday! ✨🦅

Happy Wildlife Wednesday, everyone! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the amazing creatures that call the John Day River Territory home.

Did you know that the John Day River is home to diverse species? Whether you’re hiking, fishing, or simply exploring, there’s always a chance to encounter some magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

2023

Have you had a memorable wildlife sighting in the John Day River Territory? Share your stories and photos in the comments below! 🐾📸

08/07/2024

📸 Follow Our New Instagram Page! 📸

Unfortunately, we had to create a new Instagram page, but we’re excited to keep sharing the beauty of the John Day River Territory with you! 🌲🏞️

Head over to John Day River Territory OR and give us a follow. Stay tuned for breathtaking photos, updates, and all things John Day River.



https://www.instagram.com/johndayriverterritoryor

Thank you for your support and for being a part of our wonderful community! 🙌❤️

08/07/2024

This Summer, we’re celebrating the incredible talent in our community by spotlighting some of the amazing photos that were submitted for our profile contest. Each one captured the essence of the John Day River Territory so beautifully!

Beneath the golden summer sun, where river whispers flow, In fields of green and skies of blue, nature’s treasures show.

Kayla Hand’s lens has caught the light, the warmth, the bright array, of the heart within our land, in each and every ray.

Thank you, Kayla, for sharing this breathtaking moment with us! 🌾📸