Dayville: Byway, Nature, and Local History

The South Fork John Day River Back Country Byway begins in Dayville. If you are looking for a hotel in Dayville, you can use the purpose of your trip as a starting point: a drive through the canyon, wildlife watching, fossils, or local history.

Byway and River Landscape

The Byway runs through a steep-walled canyon parallel to the South Fork John Day River, which is designated a Wild and Scenic River; the John Day River flows right past Dayville. Nearby, 47 miles of the South Fork John Day River are designated a Wild and Scenic River. The northern endpoint of this river section is on South Fork Road, 4.7 miles south of Dayville. The two figures describe different things: 47 miles is the designated river stretch, while 4.7 miles is the distance from its northern endpoint to Dayville.

The Byway is a gravel road suitable for most passenger vehicles; however, some sections are only wide enough for one lane of traffic. Since road conditions can change, check the current conditions before your drive.

Wildlife Watching and Fossils

Birdwatching is possible year-round at nearby Phillip W. Schneider Wildlife Area. Bighorn sheep can also be spotted there in winter and early spring. The difference matters when planning your trip: birdwatching is possible all year, while bighorn sheep can be seen in winter and early spring.

Nearby Sheep Rock Unit has seven hiking trails ranging from 0.25 to 3.25 miles long. The range makes it easy to compare routes by their stated lengths. The Thomas Condon Visitor Center displays more than 500 fossil specimens from the John Day Fossil Beds. This means two different nature interests are available nearby: hiking trails with stated lengths and a fossil exhibit.

Local History and Character

Dayville Community Hall was built in 1920 by community shareholders. Its first event that same year was the Armistice Day Dance, a Dayville tradition for many decades. The newly renovated hall reopened in July 2022. The building’s construction by shareholders and its first dance connect its history to an event tradition that lasted for many decades in Dayville.

Dayville Community Church is also part of cycling history: beginning in 1973, it was used as a hostel for bicycle tourists along the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.

The historic Dayville Mercantile has welcomed travelers since 1896 with gifts, traditional candies, groceries, and local products; it is near the Painted Hills. Its mix of products combines groceries for travelers with gifts and local goods. Homemade pie is the specialty at Dayville Cafe.

Discover more destinations: John Day, Long Creek.

View the broader travel overview: Grant County.