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Grant County Oregon enjoys a world class hunting season every single year and John Day is right in the center of all the action. Folks travel to John Day from all around to take part. General season tags can be purchased in advance by anyone with a valid hunting license, any time before the season begins.

Unlimited dirt trails await just beyond the bounds of the City of John Day. Get that adrenaline boost and enjoy the nature and the fresh air of the Eastern Oregon. You may be required to take a trailer to the trailhead, but from there you’re free to explore. These trails are remote, so make sure you research your route beforehand.

The new mountain bike dirt trails in John Day are popular for all ages. Whether you have a standard 2-speed or a top of the line specialized mountain bike, you’re going to have fun. The County, Parks & Recreation Department and City of John Day have invested in the continued development of trails for the community and this mountain biking path is an excellent example of that.

The County, Parks & Recreation Department and City of John Day have worked cooperatively to bring freshly paved walking and hiking trails throughout John Day. Add the riverfront or hilltop paths to your daily routine while you’re in town; the views alone are worth it.

Once known as a “Golden Chinese Outpost”, Kam Wah Chung Heritage Site is a former trading post and Chinese medical clinic built in 1865. Acclaimed for having the largest intact collection of Chinese medicine and formulas in the world, Kam Wah Chung continues to draw tourists from all over the world every year.

Located 45 min drive west of the City is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. A dynamic visitor center brings the past alive and is a perfect stop for families on the long car ride. This is a working research center where paleontologists are actively doing fossil science in a lab setting visible to visitors. Admission is free to the Center and visits can be as short or in-depth as you please. Beyond the center are the actual fossil beds, The Clarno Unit, the Sheep Rock Unit and the Painted Hills, for trail hiking and exploration.

The stunning views in and around John Day’s waterways are calling you, and a day of fishing out on the Riverbank or at Magone Lake will cure whatever ails you.  

Put that together with the fact that the John Day River has one of the few remaining wild fish runs in the PNW and you have a combination that makes for a fun and relaxing experience.  

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A quick drive north of John Day and you will arrive at the gorgeous mountain lake of Magone. This hidden jewel of Easten Oregon has a campsite, multiple picnic and BBQ stations and a sandy beach. Come for a swim or float, or bring your boat or kayak and enjoy an afternoon of fishing. Several degrees cooler than nearby places at lower altitudes, Magone Lake is the perfect retreat on hot summer days.

The Grant County Fair is the longest running Fair in the state of Oregon with over 110 years celebrated. Hosted at the John Day fairgrounds every summer, families come from all around to enjoy the rodeo, carnival rides, food, live music and much more.

The wintery terrain surrounding John Day is a dream for skiing. Explore the powdery wonderland, absorb the peace and tranquility and enjoy incredible workout, all in one. With multiple points of access, planning your routine is easily adaptable and never has to be the same twice, making this a hobby you’ll never tire of.

Capture the sense of adventure and exploration that comes from the open road. The freedom that comes from biking is different to any other vehicle; with a bike you can access trails and areas that cars simply can't reach. The combination of fresh air, movement and getting out into nature can elevate your mood and benefit your mental health. Take charge of your own destiny. Go for a ride.

The Strawberry Mountains are located southeast of John Day, Oregon, in the Malheur National Forest. This 69,000-acre range provides numerous recreation opportunities. Most visitors enjoy the area between the months of June and October. Enjoy rugged hiking at elevations ranging from 4,000 ft to the 9,038-foot summit of Strawberry Mountain. Over a hundred miles of trails,, offering vista after vista to the enterprising hiker.

John Day is nestled in the largest pristine dark sky zone in the lower 48 states. With a high elevation, semi-arid climate, and world-class dark skies, here you will see a sky blanketed with an unfathomable number of visible stars. It's a sky that few people ever get to experience. Come and gaze with us.

Enjoy the freedom and adventure that come from taking a ride on the long roads and rolling hills of Grant County. Whether you’re traveling in a group for a day out with friends and family, or you’re out seeking the thrill and solitude of being solo, you’ll never forget the exhilaration of riding through the gorgeous landscape of Eastern Oregon.