Dayville

Elevation: 2,369

Population: 142

On the west end of the John Day Valley, Dayville is rich in Old West atmosphere and small town charm. The town has a variety of amenities, including food and fuel, and the recently renovated Dayville Community Hall provides a wonderful venue for indoor events. The city park along the John Day River features a large grassy area, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, picnic areas, a playground and a well-kept restroom. Moreover, the area is surrounded by stunning scenery. The Mascall Overlook, about 4.5 miles west of Dayville, offers 360-degree views of the colorful hillsides and is wheelchair-accessible. Farther west is Picture Gorge, named for the Native American pictographs that adorn the steep canyon walls. Beyond is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Dayville is situated at the intersection of the Northside, West Murderers Creek and Ochoco hunting units, and the area is rich in hunting, hiking, camping and fishing options.

Explore Dayville

• South Fork Road follows the South Fork John Day River from Highway 26 to the South Fork Falls. The road turns to gravel, but the well-graded route offers a variety of scenic vistas of the river and rock formations in the canyon. Past the Black Canyon Trailhead, which leads into the Black Canyon Wilderness, South Fork Road meets Forest Road 24 near a bridge across the river. The falls are upstream from the bridge but may not be visible from the road. If you’re in the area in October, you won’t want to miss the Dayville Scarecrow Contest.

Mt. Vernon

Elevation: 2,695

Population: 549

For a small community, Mt. Vernon is home to a variety of amenities. Phil Boyd Park features basketball and tennis courts, restrooms and a covered picnic area, and the city has installed new playground equipment. A spacious community center and the Mt. Vernon Grange host annual events and functions, and Clyde Holliday State Park is only a short drive away. Mt. Vernon was named after a resident’s treasured racehorse, said to have lost only one race in his life, and a small stone fort used to protect him from being stolen still stands about 2 miles east of town.

Explore Mt. Vernon

Just a mile east of Mt. Vernon, Clyde Holliday State Park features a peaceful walking trail along the scenic John Day River. The free day-use area is a popular wayside for motorists, with spacious grassy areas, picnic tables and benches near the river. For a fee, the campground offers overnight accommodations for tents and trailers, and travelers can even stay in one of the two teepees at the park, pending availability. An ADA-accessible pond stocked with trout at the west end of the site provides further recreational opportunities.