Oregon is never short on things to do and sites to see, and the state also has some unique destinations that can sometimes feel like you’re on another planet.
Of these special places, Oregon’s Painted Hills stand out. Considered one of the “Seven Wonders of Oregon,” the Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and are a must-see when traveling north of central Oregon.
Here’s what to know about Oregon’s Painted Hills and how to visit.
What are the Painted Hills in Oregon?
Oregon’s Painted Hills are one of three different units at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and feature an array of different colors layered against miles of hillsides.
The vibrant colors of the Painted Hills are displayed in shades of red, tan, orange and black, and are considered a geological marvel as they were formed over millions of years and represent “a specific period in geologic time, acting as a time capsule preserving the fossilized remains of plants and animals,” according to the Pacific Adventure Club educational blog.
The Painted Hills contain animal fossils approximately 27-30 million years old and a diverse variety of leaf fossils called the Bridge Creek Flora, according to the National Park Service.
A view of the Painted Hills in the foreground with a view of Sutton Mountain rising behind it.
Where are the Painted Hills in Oregon located?
The Painted Hills are located in north central Oregon, 10 miles outside of Mitchell. The three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument can be reached by car using secondary roads, according to the National Park Service.
What can people do while visiting the Painted Hills in Oregon?
There are various hikes people can explore at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and a total of five trails at the Painted Hills unit. Trails include:
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Carroll Rim Trail – 1.6 miles round-trip
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Painted Hills Overlook Trail – 0.5 miles round-trip
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Painted Cove Trail – 0.25 miles round-trip
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Leaf Hill Trail – 0.25 miles round-trip
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Red Scar Knoll Trail 0.25 mile round-trip
For those who don’t want to partake in hiking or are just passing through, there is also an overlook that looks across the Painted Hills. It is recommended that RVs and other large vehicles do not go past the Painted Hills overlook, according to the National Park Service. To preserve the unique environment of the John Day Fossil Beds, it’s important for visitors to stay on the trails and “Don’t Hurt the Dirt,” according to NPS.
To plan ahead, visitors can download a map of the trails and other park maps at the NPS maps page on their website.
There is no entrance fee or pass required to visit the park. The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
What are the John Day Fossil Beds?
The geological formations of the John Day Fossil Beds offer a “window into the past” as they were created through millions of years of volcanic eruptions and activity that left behind fossilized remains of plants and animals preserved in sedimentary rock.
“It is unlikely that a more complete and well-preserved record of Cenozoic terrestrial life exists anywhere in the world,” according to the National Park Service.
Researchers come from around the world for a chance to study these uniquely spectacular fossil beds.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: What are the Painted Hills in Oregon? How to visit iconic destination