Middle Fork John Day River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Fork John Day River |
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Middle Fork John Day River
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 Location of the mouth of the Middle Fork John Day River in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Grant |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Blue Mountains near Austin, Grant County, Oregon 4,254 ft (1,297 m) 44°35′05″N 118°25′48″W / 44.58472°N 118.43000°W |
| River mouth | North Fork John Day River near Slickear Mountain, Grant County, Oregon 2,192 ft (668 m) 44°54′59″N 119°18′08″W / 44.91639°N 119.30222°W |
| Length | 73.4 mi (118.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 806 sq mi (2,090 km2) |
The Middle Fork John Day River is a 73-mile (117 km) long river in Oregon, United States. It is a branch of the North Fork John Day River. This river starts high up in the Blue Mountains of northeast Oregon. It flows through the Malheur National Forest near a town called Austin. The river generally flows west and joins the North Fork about 18 miles (29 km) before the town of Monument. The area drained by the Middle Fork John Day River is about 806 square miles (2,088 km2).
Protecting the River
The Middle Fork John Day River is very special. Most of its length is protected by the Oregon Scenic Waterways Program. This program is run by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
Scenic and Natural Areas
The state of Oregon has set aside parts of the river for protection.
- A 60-mile (97 km) section is called a Scenic River Area. This means it has beautiful views and natural features.
- The lower 11 miles (18 km) of the river are a Natural River Area. This part is kept as wild and untouched as possible.
Rules for River Protection
To keep the river healthy, there are some important rules. If people want to make big changes near the river, they must get approval. This includes things like:
- Cutting down trees
- Mining for minerals
- Building new roads
- Constructing buildings or other structures
These rules help protect the river's natural beauty and its important habitats. They ensure the river stays a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy.
