John Day River Territory

06/01/2025

📸✨ Still Time to Claim Your Week for 2025! ✨📸

We’re still looking for local photographers to be featured on our page in 2025! If you love capturing the beauty of our John Day River Territory, this is your chance to get your photos shared with everyone!

Here’s the deal:
Each week, we’ll post 3 of your photos—one on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It’s all about showcasing your talent and giving you the credit for your awesome shots!

🔹 How to Join In: 1️⃣ Claim your week(s)—up to 2 weeks, either together or spread out!
2️⃣ Send us 3 photos each week with a short description for each.
3️⃣ We’ll feature you and your photos so everyone can see your work!

✨ There are still open spots for 2025, so don’t wait to sign up! Let’s show off the beauty of our region together.

Drop a comment below or message us to claim your week(s), and send your photos to [email protected]. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got!

01/01/2025

As the sun rises on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the beauty of our region and the incredible community that calls it home. From the Painted Hills to the Strawberry Mountains, every corner of this territory holds endless possibilities for adventure, growth, and connection.

Here’s to a year of exploring new trails, capturing breathtaking views, and cherishing the memories we make together. Thank you for being part of what makes this place so special.

Cheers to 2025—may it be a year full of wonder and joy for all of you! 🥂✨

30/12/2024

Join for a hike on the Pinnacles Trail. Starting from the Experience Center building, the trail follows the John Day River canyon through stunning geologic formations in a natural desert landscape. Look closely for mule deer, red tailed hawk, and the resident herd of California bighorn sheep.

January 1st 2025
Start time 10am
Meet at: Experience Center Trail
Name: Pinnacles Trail
Terrain: Moderate
Length of Hike: 3 miles
Recommended minimum age: None
Things to Note: Dogs permitted on a 6-foot leash. Due to some narrow and sloping trail sections, strollers are not recommended. Bring plenty of water, and snacks if desired. Hiking boots highly recommended, as well as hats, gloves and winter coats. Please check the weather to prepare accurately.

Please register for the event so Oregon State Parks can send you the latest information, including cancellation information if necessary.

https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=things-to-do.event&eventId=48535

26/12/2024

Merry Christmas from the 🎄🎁🎅🏼🎄

25/12/2024

🎄 Merry Christmas from Our Region to Yours! 🎄

Wishing you a day filled with joy, love, and cherished moments with family and friends. As the night falls and the lights twinkle, may your hearts be warm and your spirits bright.

Thank you for being part of our wonderful region—we’re grateful for each and every one of you. Here’s to celebrating the magic of the season together!

Stay safe, stay cozy, and have a Merry Christmas!

13/12/2024

A blanket of snow, pure and bright,
Spray’s quiet beauty in soft, still light.
Wandering skies above, so wide,
Embracing the town, with winter’s stride.

Captured in silence, the world feels slow,
A peaceful moment in the winter’s first glow.

Snow day in Spray! ☃️❄️🎄

28/11/2024

Today, we’re grateful for the stunning beauty of the John Day River Territory and the incredible community that calls it home. Whether you’re gathered around the table or exploring the great outdoors, we hope your day is filled with warmth, love, and gratitude.

Thank you for being part of our story. 🧡

26/11/2024

📸 Calling All Local Photographers & Visionaries! 🌟

We’re excited to try something new with the page in 2025, and we need you! Your stunning photos bring the beauty of our region to life, and we want to give you a chance to shine while helping us share the wonders of our territory.

Here’s the plan:
Each week, a new photographer will take over, and we’ll feature 3 photos from them—shared on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

💡 Want to participate? Here’s how:
1️⃣ Claim Your Week(s): Comment below or message our page to select your week(s) for 2025. There are 52 weeks to choose from, and you can select up to 2 weeks, consecutive or not.
2️⃣ Send Your Photos: Once your week is confirmed, email your 3 photos per week to [email protected], including a brief description for each.
3️⃣ Get Featured: We’ll schedule your photos and give full credit to you, showcasing your work for the entire region to see!

This is a fantastic way to promote your business, showcase your talent, or simply share your love for our beautiful corner of Oregon. Let’s celebrate the artistry and unique perspectives that make our community shine!

✨ Ready to claim your spot? Comment below and start planning your feature week!

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: