Help power the National Parks Traveler’s coverage of national parks and protected areas.
Late afternoon stormclouds and sunlight over the Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument / Rebecca Latson
Contributing photographer and writer for the National Parks Traveler since 2012, Rebecca Latson has ventured out to units of the U.S. National Park System, as well as national parks within Canada, on behalf of the Traveler. With her writing and photography, Rebecca authors the Traveler's monthly Photography In The National Parks column as well as various other national park-related articles (hiking, itineraries, photography guides, quizzes) for the Traveler.
North-central Oregon is not only one of the most geologically interesting and beautiful parts of the state, but of the nation, really. A visit to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a great introduction to Oregon’s geology and interior landscape. Not only can you feast your eyes upon the blindingly-saturated rock formation colors, but you’ll be presented to a region of the nation that has preserved a record of plant and animal evolution, changing climate, and past ecosystems spanning over 40 million years.
This national monument is not a single location but rather comprised of three different units: Clarno, Painted Hills, and Sheep Rock, each positioned about an hour’s drive away from the other. These separate units offer different geology, different rock colors, easy hiking trails, and a little bit of history. There’s even a working paleontology laboratory where you can watch scientists clean and prepare plant and mammal fossils ranging from 7 million to 44 million years in age.
Don’t forget your camera when you visit John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, because it’s a photographer’s paradise replete with color, pattern, and texture.
While all these units may be visited within a single day, you might wish to spend at least one other day to really absorb the sights and colors of the landscape, and revisit any of your favorite places during different times of the day for photography.
If you plan to visit any or all these units, whether it be for one day or more, you will need to prepare a little bit, since each unit is located upon remote, rural landscape. Consistent amenities such as lodging, groceries, and fuel for your car - be it gasoline or electric - are between 30 miles to 50 miles (48 to 80 km) or more away from any of these units.
While John Day Fossil Beds National Monument may not be the final destination of your national park trip, it should definitely be a destination on your list of must-see park units within the National Park System. The pages below will help you plan your visit, decide what to do, and give you an idea of what to expect once you arrive at any of these three units.
Traveler’s Choice For: Geology, paleontology, photography
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
