On a recent trip to Oregon, I spent a day at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. This park is off the beaten path but has a lot of natural and geological history and photographic opportunities. 

Hover over any photo for location and more detailed information. 

What is John Day Fossil Beds?

John Day Fossil Beds is a National Monument dedicated to fossil beds containing mammals as far back as 55 million years ago. It has three different areas referred to as units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno. During my trip, I went to Sheep Rock and Painted Hills. Each of the three units has hiking trails, picnic areas, and restrooms. The visitor center and paleontology center is based at Sheep Rock and it is one of the best I have ever been to. They have a wide variety and number of fossils on exhibit and even a working laboratory where you can observe paleontologists uncovering more specimens.     

• The park entry is free to all three units. 
• The trails are all well marked and many are short and easy to walk. 
• There is drinking water at the Visitor Center. 
• There is no cell phone reception in the park.
• It is difficult to visit all three units in one day. During my trip, I visited two and it was a long day.  

Flood of Fire trail, Sheep Rock Unit	Goose Rock, Sheep Rock Unit
Creek bed detail, Island in time trail, Sheep Rock Unit	Story in Stone trail, Sheep Rock Unit

When is a good time to visit?

This park can be visited any time of year. Spring is a good time to visit for wildflowers and grasses. Autumn brings rain, which is great for saturating the colors in the painted hills unit. Summers are hot and there is little shade in this park so that is not an ideal time to visit. I visited in October and it was mostly overcast the entire time. 

Windy afternoon, Sheep Rock Unit

Creek bed detail, Island in time trail, Sheep Rock Unit

Detail, Story in Stone trail, Sheep Rock Unit

Rock face, Island in time trail, Sheep Rock Unit

Where is this park?

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is located Northeast of Bend, Oregon with the closest major city being Prineville. The surrounding lands are pretty desolate so I recommend taking a reliable vehicle and filling up the gas tank before you venture out. 

Panoramic, Creek bed detail, Island in time trail, Sheep Rock Unit

Panoramic, Painted Hills Unit

Why should I visit?

This park has impressive natural history and fossil exhibits. The Sheep Rock unit has a number of scenic trails and an impressive visitor center. The Painted Hills are unique, with a lot of opportunities for photography, especially at sunset.

Storm approaching, Painted Hills Unit

Storm approaching, Painted Hills Unit

Detail, Painted Hills Unit

I hope you enjoyed this post!