Float ETA estimates how long this float actually takes from live discharge at USGS 14046500 (John Day River at Service Creek), not a guidebook average. At a typical 2,000 cfs, a raft drifts about 3 mph here. Higher flow speeds you up; skinny water slows you down. Kayaks run faster than the current, tubes slower. Add your own total time for stops and fishing.
This is a multi-day wilderness float. Plan shuttles, permits, and camps — the calculator shows total hours on the water, not a same-day take-out.
The John Day River (Clarno) listing covers 70 river miles across 1 access-to-access stretch (Class II–III). Times in the table are typical raft hours at that reference flow. Open the live calculator for today's CFS, sunset take-out, water temperature, and rain/UV at the put-in.
See today's John Day River (Clarno) float time
Float stretches on the John Day River (Clarno)
| Put-in → take-out | Miles | Difficulty | Typical raft time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarno → Cottonwood Bridge | 70 mi | Class II–III | ~23 hr 20 min | BLM permit required in the main spring season. Clarno Rapid near the start is the hardest drop — scout it. The gauge is at Service Creek, just upstream of this stretch. |
How we time this river
Speed scales with discharge using hydraulic geometry v ∝ Q0.34, calibrated to this gauge. That is why a 1,000 cfs afternoon is a different day than 3,000 cfs runoff. Always scout, wear a PFD, and check the Oregon State Marine Board for closures. Gauge page: USGS 14046500.
Common questions
How long does it take to float Clarno to Cottonwood Bridge on the John Day River (Clarno)?
About 23 hr 20 min in a raft at a typical 2000 cfs. Kayaks run a bit faster; tubes run slower. Add your own stop or fishing time in the planner. BLM permit required in the main spring season. Clarno Rapid near the start is the hardest drop — scout it. The gauge is at Service Creek, just upstream of this stretch.
What USGS gauge is used for John Day River (Clarno) float times?
Float ETA uses USGS gauge 14046500 (John Day River at Service Creek) for live discharge. Speed is scaled from a reference 2000 cfs drift of about 3 mph.
Is the John Day River (Clarno) a good tube float?
Tubes lag the current (we use a 0.72× speed multiplier). This listing includes Class III or harder water — rafts and experienced paddlers, not tubes.