Hike on the BMT:
North Fork John
Day Trail
North Fork John Day Trail - 2 days
Departing from the Crane Creek Trailhead, near Sumpter, Oregon, the North Fork John Day Trail follows its namesake river through the heart of the North Fork John Day Wilderness. This surprisingly rugged trail descends through old growth forests, steep canyons, and has two river crossings through cold knee to waist-high water. You will be rewarded for taking it slowly and enjoying the solitude, scenery, and wildlife along this section of the Blue Mountains Trail.
the stats:
Recreation type: 2 day backpack
Route type: One way with shuttle, or out-and-back
Mileage: 25.6 miles one way
Duration: 2+ days
Elevation gain/loss (gross): 4,258 feet
Active time hiking (estimated): 11 hours one way
Time of year: June to late October
Physical difficulty: Difficult
Logistical difficulty: Challenging, 4WD vehicle recommended to Oriental Creek CG, and 2 vehicles needed for a shuttle
Permits required: Free, self-issued Wilderness permit at the trailhead. Group size limited to 12 people. All other wilderness restrictions apply.
Planning links:
Trailhead access points: Crane Creek Trailhead - USFS link - Google Maps link — Oriental Creek Campground - USFS link - Google Maps link
Nearby town guide: Sumpter
Local US Forest Service Office: Umatilla National Forest North Fork John Day Ranger District, Ukiah, 541-427-3231
Trail conditions: North Fork John Day River Trail #3022
Weather forecast at Crane Creek Trailhead: National Weather Service
Trip description:
The North Fork John Day Trail follows its namesake river for over 25 miles through one of Eastern Oregon's most remarkable wilderness areas. Even if you choose to hike downstream, the trail is still surprisingly rugged and offers plenty of challenges for experienced hikers. But if you love hiking through old forests and experiencing the solitude of the Blue Mountains, this trail will not disappoint. You will also see artifacts of the region's gold mining history, with old placer mine tailings along portions of the river, and an old miner's cabin that is still intact.
If hiking in the downstream direction, there are two potential trailheads, one at Crane Creek following the route of the Blue Mountains Trail, and the other at the North Fork John Day Campground. If you plan to camp at the trailhead before your hike or wish to avoid the need to cross waist-deep water at Crane Creek, starting at the North Fork John Day Campground is a great option. Another knee-to-waist-deep crossing is required at an old miners cabin between Crane Creek and Granite Creek. There are only a few good established backcountry campsites along the full route, but small footprint sites can be found throughout the trail with a little exploration. In many sections of the trail, the tread climbs 200+ feet above the river, sometimes with steep drops along the narrow path, or with overgrown ceanothus that you will need to push through. Sure feet and confidence with exposure go a long way on this route. In the early season, be prepared for ticks as well, especially through the more overgrown sections of the trail.
If you plan to do this as a one-way hike, you will need to have two vehicles to set up the shuttle. The driving time between trailheads takes about 2 hours. If you have one vehicle, you can hike it as a 4 day out-and-back or simply shorten your trip.
The North Fork John Day Wilderness was designated and protected in by the U.S Congress in 1984, and it encompasses over 120,000 acres. The North Fork John Day River is the coldest of the tributaries to the mainsteam John Day, draining snowmelt from the Elkhorn and Greenhorn mountains ranges. At its higher reaches, the river offers spawning for steelhead, chinook salmon and native redband trout. The trail is overgrown in sections, and you can join us in reporting recreation impacts or areas that need additional maintenance using the Recreation Impacts Monitoring System (RIMS) app (contact us for details and to sign up or download the app and get started). This area is still recovering from past mining impacts, and it supports abundant wildlife; when hiking here, please follow Leave No Trace principles.
maps and elevation profile:
Before and After in Sumpter
Sumpter was a mining boomtown in the late 1890s, with its population peaking around 2,000 in the early 1900s. Today, Sumpter’s population is under 200, and the economy relies heavily on visitors to public lands.
Sumpter has restaurants, lodging, and two small markets, but is a limited-service town. The markets have limited supplies, so plan ahead when packing food and supplies for your trip to the North Fork John Day Wilderness. The shortest route for a trailhead shuttle does not go through Sumpter.
While in Sumpter, the Elkhorn Saloon and Carole's Mad Dog Restaurant offer delicious food options, including burgers, pizza, and a full menu of pub-style fare. Coffe, breakfast, and lunch are available at the Sumpter Nugget. There are plenty of nice, simple accommodation options, including the Depot Inn, the Sumpter Stockade Motel, and the Sumpter Bed & Breakfast.
This region's mining history is still plainly evidenced by the piles of gravel along nearby creeks, remnants of dredging in years gone by. To learn more, you can visit the historic Sumpter Dredge and mining museum. We also recommend taking a ride on the historic Sumpter Valley Railroad.
For a full list of amenities, including markets, accommodations, post offices, public transit options, and more places to eat and stay, check out the Blue Mountains Trail Town Guides for Sumpter.