John Day Lock and Dam is part of the Columbia River basin system, built between 1959 and 1971 by the US Army Corps of Engineers to produce hydroelectric power to the Pacific Northwest Region. The lock and dam also facilitated the enhancement of economic development in the region through maintaining commercial navigation channels and recreational activities in Oregon.
This hydroelectric dam has the highest lift of any U.S. lock, rising to 110 feet from its base, making it quite a spectacle and in many ways, an engineering marvel. It also provides a reliable water source for irrigation and flood mitigation.
The construction of the lock and dam resulted in the creation of Lake Umatilla, a vast reservoir that spans for over 76 miles, all the way to the foot of the McNary Dam and part of the Umatilla National Forest. Located near the city of Rufus, OR, John Day Lock and Dam, has become a popular recreational destination that brings in outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life to enjoy its placid waters, scenic views, and excellent fishing grounds.
Fish ladders are located on both sides of the dam to allow adult fish to cross over to the other side. If you arrive at John Day Lock and Dam, in-season, you are likely to see several different species of fish climbing or rather jumping their way up the fish ladders to get to the other side of the dam and eventually reach their spawning grounds.
There is quite a lot to see and do at John Day Lock and Dam from boating, fishing, and hiking to simply camping along Lake Umatilla's beautiful and scenic shoreline. Camping facilities are also available both on the Oregon and Washington side of the lake.
John Day Lock and Dam is located about 28 miles east of The Dalles, OR. The lock and dam lie just below the mouth of the John Day River and acts as the border between the states of Washington and Oregon. To get to the dam from The Dalles drive 25-miles east on the 1-84 until you arrive at your destination.
Just five miles from Rufus, Oregon, on the confluence of John Day River and Columbia Rivers lies Lepage Park. The campground here offers 22 campsites that offer electric and water hook-up, as well as, twenty primitive tenting sites to suit your desired camping style.
A beautiful camping destination, Lepage Park has a large vehicle parking area, beach area, boat ramps, fishing dock, playground, picnic shelters and much more making for a thoroughly enjoyable and comfortable camping holiday. Showers, flush toilets, grills, picnic tables, campfire rings, dump station and access to drinking water is also made available on-site.
On the Washington side of John Day Lock and Dam, lies Plymouth Park that comprises of small islands on Lake Umatilla. The campground here offers 32 campsites with full-hookup service including electric, water and sewer hook-ups, as well as plenty of amenities and facilities including; a swim beach area, boat ramp, flush toilets, fishing dock, playground, large parking area, showers, dump station, fire pits, grills, picnic tables and so much more.
John Day River and Lake Umatilla together make this region a sought-after destination for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish species including Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Steelhead Trout, American Shad, Lamprey, Walleye, Sunfish, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, and even giant-size Sturgeon. The surrounding lake and river waters are spawning grounds for a majority of these fish species which makes it a rewarding destination for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
Boating on these pristine lake waters is a joyous experience. The open waters, cool breeze, and stunning views make for a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable boating experience no matter what you preferred watercraft may be. Motorboats, kayaks, canoes, and even sailboats take to these lake waters each year via boat ramps located at LePage Park, Philippi Park, and Plymouth Park (on the Washington side).
They are several unmarked and marked hiking trails that twist through the tall hardwoods surrounding the lake's shoreline. Hikers can embark on trails that lead them through spectacular forest scenery, with the chance to spot exotic birds of prey and wildlife including mule deer, raptors and many types of waterfowl that are abundant in the region. If you like spending your day trekking outdoors and exploring you certainly won't be disappointed when hiking here.
Although they are no lifeguards present, certain areas do permit swimming for those keen to cool down and find some respite from the hot sun. Swimming is a popular activity in the calm and cool river waters, but it is always advised to use the buddy system whenever you decide to dive in. When swimming, make sure you stay well clear of the docks and boating areas and stick close to the shoreline and sandy beach areas of this vast reservoir.
For all those picnic lovers that can't wait to spend the day outdoors enjoying time with family and friends, pack your picnic baskets and outdoor gear and head to John Day Lock and Dam for a picnicking experience not soon forgotten. Designated picnic areas, picnic shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, grills, pit toilets and much more are provided by the nearby parks that offer visitors a truly luxurious, comfortable, and thoroughly enjoyable picnicking experience.
When driving down to John Day Lock and Dam, the one thing you can't leave behind is your camera. This scenic destination offers the chance to capture some truly amazing pictures of wildlife, nature, and the inner working of the lock and dam system.
If you are in luck, you might also be able to capture stunning images of adult-sized salmon and trout making their way up the fish ladders on either side of the lock and dam.
