Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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McDonald Crossing is a whitewater access point on the John Day River in Gilliam County, Oregon. This site serves as a put-in or take-out location for paddlers navigating the John Day, a popular whitewater destination in eastern Oregon. The John Day River in this region offers dynamic whitewater conditions typical of high desert river systems, with seasonal water level variations that affect difficulty and paddling conditions throughout the year. Paddlers should be prepared for the characteristics of eastern Oregon river paddling, including variable flows and the remote nature of the area.