I love the Painted Hills and have been here often, both on my own and with my family. This location is absolutely gorgeous and so far away from any modern city that it makes it an incredible day trip or even an overnight camping destination (at approved campground areas, of course). There are several scenic locations mapped out for small, short hikes, as well as some longer hiking options. One area has a raised bed of wooden planks that allows you to walk over the hills, ensuring that none of the soil is disturbed. The colours on these hills is glorious and the markers read an incredible story about how the earth around the area developed the way that it did. On top of that, the wildlife viewing is absolutely incredible and the silence is stunning, when no one else is around. I've been there in high heat as well as summer squalls and I've always been impressed and awed by the sight. Because of the distance to here from any major urban location, it's pretty likely that anyone you run into here is dedicated to coming to this one place. That makes for a remarkably respectful and appreciative community of people out to experience the same thing you are. This place isn't overrun with screaming tourists and gaggles of busses, overloading the area and throwing garbage everywhere. It's about a two hour drive from Bend to get here and worth every minute of it. Food options are limited in the area. Mitchell, OR is nearby and I have to say; the town is really leaning into being a stop for those visiting the Painted Hills. There's a few places there to check in at, but not a lot of options. The real splendor of coming here is the quiet and isolation that's so hard to find anymore in our crowded area. The rangers who keep this place up to snuff do an incredible job, as well, and deserve a lot of credit for this beautiful location. Definitely a great location in eastern Oregon. read more

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The Painted Hills Unit of the John Day National Monument was indeed a very scenic and beautiful sight seeing stop as we were in the Bend, Oregon area. After seeing Yelp entries I am kind of kicking myself for not proceeding to the Painted Cove area as the walk through there looks amazing. We just stopped at the main Painted Hills and did not proceed further. But what we saw was beautiful. With the three primary colors of yellow, red and black you can see the layers of these colors in the Hills. The texture of the Hills are amazing too. And I suppose depending on the angle of the sun enhances these textures as far as appearance goes. You can see little trails all through these Hills and at first I thought they were hiking trails for people but they are indeed wildlife trails and people are to not go on them. There are signs all over that go into the history here and it is both fascinating and beautiful. We were here mid-morning but I am told the colors really get enhanced at sunrise or sunset. read more

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The painted hills are very beautiful. It is a journey to get all the way out to where they are, but the roads in the park are well maintained with gravel. The trails to each of the viewpoints are very short, so don't expect a lot of hiking. Also, the only bathrooms are at the first stop right inside the park gate. read more

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I loved these! THE FOSSIL UNIT CLOSES AT 4 SO GET THERE EARLY!! Had a wonderful picnic area and a cute little gift shop! BRING YOUR OWN FOOD! Lots of hiking trails but you can just drive also! read more

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This has so far been my least favorite place I've visited in Oregon. One thing to know ahead of time is everyone pictures are defiantly edited it's not a bright as people make it look. It also doesn't take much time to go to all the trails. If you're in that area I would recommend Smith Rock over the painted hills or even crooked river bridge both are way more beautiful read more

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An absolute must see! So many colorful rock formations for viewing. There are multiple trails available. I'd suggest stopping at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center to get a trail guide so you're aware of the trails and which "unit" they reside. It also gives an overview of the trail length and a view description. There are restrooms available at the picnic area to the left as you drive into the Painted Hills Overlook Trail. Would highly recommend! read more

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This is a road trip worth taking the painted hills are breath taking. The trails are easy and dog friendly read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Painted Hills - Parks Near Me

Amid the high-desert scenery of the central part of the Oregon, the Painted Hills are a series of rolling knolls with vibrant colors and stunning patterns, and look more akin to the landscapes you'd expect in maybe Mars, as opposed to the green Pacific Northwest. Oregon truly is a beautiful state ! Depending on what time of the year you are visiting the scenery changes a little bit but summers are the best in my opinion . It does tend to get extremely hot so be prepared if you visit between July - September . For great photos visiting in the late afternoon would be your best bet- the soft light illuminates the brightly colored soil giving some stunning contrasting backgrounds . There are five short and easy trails that range from 0.25 to 1.6 miles in length. The Painted Cove Trail is the most Instagram-famous in the park, with a wooden boardwalk. The Carroll Rim Trail is the longest totaling 1.6 miles in length and over 400 feet in elevation but gives stunning views of the Red hills . Network coverage is spotty in the area so be prepared with the maps beforehand . There is also a grass picnic area , restrooms and a ranger station kiosk read more

Highly recommended! It's such a gorgeous area! The stripes on the hills represent weather during that time period. The red stripe was during a warm and wetter time and the yellow a drier one! The ride to the top was a bit harrowing on a motorcycle as the road is a thick layer of gravel -- ride safe if you're on a bike! It is so worth it though just to get a sight of all this beauty. There is a restroom area to your left before you make your way to the road heading to the overlook. Otherwise, there are outhouses at the top. On the drive over, i recommend keeping your eyes peeled for deer crossing. The car in front of me hit one and it wasn't a pretty sight! I had another one cross in front of me. Luckily I saw it in time. Othwr than that... enjoy! read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - 5/29/21 - careful if you're on a motorcycle through here. Thickly packed gravel road to the top but worth it to capture this beauty. - Parks Near Me

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If you're visiting Central Oregon, don't forget to stop by the Painted Hills. It's definitely a site to see. The colors that streak the clay are so beautiful and unique. There's about 5 trails you can go on; the Painted Cove Trail, allows you to be up close and personal with the colorful clay hills on a mini-boardwalk; the Painted Hills overlook, is a 100 feet of climb but has the best spots for photographs; Carrol Rim Trail, great place to watch the sunset that features panoramic views; Red Scar Knoll Trail, another trail that gets you a closer view of what makes the hills painted; and Leaf Hill trail, where it's said to have fossils (w/c aren't visible now). FYI: All trails are about 1/4 to 1.6 miles. They're pretty short hikes with plenty of parking. The road is not paved so you'll get to experience a little off roading (nothing a little car wash can't fix after). Any who, this is a fun little activity you can enjoy with your family. Have fun, and safe travels! read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Painted Hills - Parks Near Me

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Beautiful place! We arrived just as a storm was passing through and we were a bit miserable with the high winds. After the gusts died and the torrential downpour ceased the sun cracked the clouds and the hills lit up. They were beautiful. Not as vibrant as some of the photoshopped pictures lead you to believe, but they are colorful. It's a bit of a drive, but worth it. You can't walk on them, but there was footprint proof some people do, but rangers do patrol the area. There is a groomed path going up one way to a lookout and a boardwalk in the other direction. There are plaques that give you an idea of what these beautiful hills are made up of and how they were formed. There are restrooms back toward the entrance with an info center and rest area for a picnic lunch if that's your thing. read more

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God is quite the artist! The Oregon hills she painted with colorful stripes or dusted in red rust are an alluring chromatic landscape preserved as a free section of the John Day Fossil Beds national monument. The Painted Hills are remote (about 9 miles from the 130-person town of Mitchell, Oregon). Plan to bring your own water, food, fuel, and supplies. Visitors navigate the small park along a gravel road connecting a series of short "hiking" trails. The Carroll Rim Trail (1.6 miles roundtrip and 400 feet elevation) to a panorama view of the Painted Hills was the only trail worthy of being called a hike. The views from the top are impressive, but not as inspirational for me as the Painted Cove Trail (0.25 mi. r/t), Painted Hills Overlook Trail (0.5 mi r/t), or Red Hill (Red Scar Knoll) Trail (0.25 mi. r/t). Near the entrance to the park is small grassy zone with picnic tables and the park's only rustic restrooms (like enclosed port-a-potties). Otherwise, there was no cell coverage, rangers, or park facilities. The Painted Hills park may not be a spot for multiple visits, but the red, tan, orange, and black stripes forged millions of years ago in the hills of Oregon are a free, peaceful, and dusty chance to be alone in nature to witness the beauty and stillness of God's artistry. read more

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Google maps led us to the back entrance so we didn't really get to see the hills, but we did see tons of fossils and spectacular views of the cliff faces. Lots of trails and history markers as you walk. We will be back to see the rest read more

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Fascinating time travel through the multi color rock layers in these wonderful Oregon hills. The main site is quite interesting and beautiful by itself, but then you can drive to nearby spots (red hill, painted cove, leaf fossil hill) that are very interesting too. Depending on where you're based it can be quite a drive, especially if you do a daily trip. There's not much around it. We were based in the Smith Rock area (15/20 mins north of Redmond) and it was a 1.5 hrs boring drive. read more

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Beautiful place. I have lived in Oregon my whole life and never been until now. Absolutely gorgeous. Pictures don't do it justice, it was super sunny and bright. Loved the few short hikes. Definitely worth a visit to see at least once, I am sure there is more we didn't explore or even know about. You have to go see it for yourself. We did see lots of places to camp along the way too. The road through the painted hills is all gravel and we went early morning at left at 12pm and it was definitely getting busy. Covid precautions in place and all trails meant for one way now, made it hard for us to get the pic on the bridge as I couldn't keep walking and we went just for the pic, but I had a mask and didn't pass people. Just felt like a jerk, but due to medical issues I couldn't follow the one way and do the whole trail on that one. read more

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A must visit if you're ever in this area! My friends and I watched the total eclipse nearby, and we were told to check out this beautiful piece of scenery. The hills are such a gorgeous red brown color, and they kind of look like toes. LOL but it's really amazing how there are fossils here! There is a short pleasant hike to get to the overlook! read more

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Painted Hills is one of the most amazing places we've ever seen and it feels like you're in a different world when you're here. The natural landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful and it's an absolute joy to explore this area. We visited during a heat wave in 2017 and it was 115 degrees in the area, but that didn't stop us from enjoying every minute here. I recommend bringing plenty of water and make sure that your car has a full tank of gas, just because it's remote and a desert. I highly, highly recommend Painted Hills and it's still one of the most amazing placed we've ever visited! read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - What an absolutely beautiful place! - Parks Near Me

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I'm a fan of all national parks and monuments, the Painted Hills included. That said, it's not very big and there's not a ton of stuff to see and do beyond taking in the overlook (which is quite nice) and walking the few short trails. So, like others have said, a really nice place to stop in for a couple of hours if you're traveling through the area but not a destination by any means. read more

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This is a gorgeous place to visit! There are a few very short hikes (1/2 mile, 1/4 mile) where you can take in impressive views. Half of one hike has a boardwalk located between some of the hills so you can get an up close look at the vivid red coloring. Otherwise, all trails are gravel, and we were able to take our BOB stroller on them. There is also a steeper and longer trail that we didn't go on due to the aforementioned stroller. At the entry to the park, there is a lush, tree-covered picnic area with a number of picnic tables. There is a ranger station here as well where you can get your National Parks passport stamp and buy a little bit of merchandise. There were both porta-potties and vault toilets, the latter of which were very clean. This definitely deserves the recognition it has of being one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon! read more

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A must visit spot whenever you are in Oregon. It is roughly a 4 hour drive from Portland, Oregon. The drive may be a bit terrifying for those who have a fear of height but the view was definitely worth it all. I do recommend you plan your visit to come before it gets dark as it may be a bit dangerous on the road. I did loose phone service in some part of the drive and at the parking area but was connected again at the entrance/exit. It was breathtaking and very peaceful. There was a good amount of parking and also no fees whatsoever. Overall, a great experience to explore nature outside of the city and I recommend adding this to your bucket list. read more

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This is easily hands down one of the most amazing places I've ever been in Oregon! Since moving to here many years ago I've become such a nature person. I just love all that is here to offer. The immense number of waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, the coast, the gorge, the beautiful mountains. It's incredible how much beauty this world has for us to explore and so much of it is just right here in this very state. Driving up to the hills was an experience of it's own. When you first come around the hill before you even get to the site, you start to see a few of the red colored hills along side the road and it's a couple areas you can pull off to and take photos.The layers of red and green color that traced across the mountain and hill sides instantly caught my attention. It slightly reminded me of a tie dye shirt. I first heard about this place when I was googling "best places in Oregon to visit" a few years ago and come to find out it's one of Oregon's seven wonders. I totally see why! I absolutely fell in love with the painted cove. It's a few smaller hills that has a boardwalk that was built between them but the hills are completely red. A nice vibrant color but at the same time deep blood red. It's beautiful!! Simply breath taking walking through this area. There are also a few look outs and of course walking trails to explore more of the area. We went on a Saturday. Maybe around 11:50ish is when we got there. There were a good chunk of people (around 15), more than we thought because it was pretty deep out there. Like in the middle of no where but it was not crowded at all. It had to be maybe 9 cars there so not an issue with parking for us which is great because the parking area at the top is not very big nor is the area where the painted cove is. The painted hills is one of those places you see in the National Geographic and wonder where the heck it's at. read more

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Mars does exist on one of the seven wonders of Oregon! It's amazing that such a beautiful and unique place exist in the middle of Oregon. This has been on my bucket list for a while now and it's definitely worth the mini road trip! It is about a 6.5 hour drive from Seattle. My husband and I drove down to Portland, shopped for a bit and grabbed some food. Then we proceeded to Prineville, Oregon (which is about a 3-4 hour drive from Portland). We spent the night there and drove another hour to the Painted Hills. We got there around 1pm. The weather was a bit gloomy and a little chilly. The Painted Hills, one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a beautiful destination. I was told that the best lit for photography is the late afternoon so we arrived right on time. This is a very picturesque destination from different colors and tones from the hills. We arrived on a Saturday and there were only a few other cars there. Not a very busy destination. There are plenty of spaces in the parking lot. There are a few trails in the area with the longest trail being about a mile (which is more of a walk than a hike). This is also a very small destination that doesn't require a lot of time. We spent a few hours exploring the area and that was more than enough time. I highly recommend visiting if you are around the area! read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Overlooking the colorful layers of the Painted Hills - Parks Near Me

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My first visit to the Painted Hills was in winter. I was traveling solo, en route to Western Montana, and a recently fallen snow had just melted, saturating the hills into incredibly rich hues of gold and red and cutting the intense, dry heat that usually greets visitors here in spring, summer, and fall. It was like a kid's playground, with hikes and walks and endless photographic possibilities. I loved every moment of it, and I vowed, one day, to come back. Fast forward to June 2016. On a return trip to Northern California, I had the chance to make a second stop here with a sympathetic road trip companion. It was upper end of the 80s Fahrenheit, with sunny, clear, blue skies and soft cumulus clouds passing slowly across the wide, high desert horizon. The Painted Hills, they looked different: a little more subdued, perhaps, but also uniquely beautiful. It was almost summer, after all. The days were incredibly long, the moon at night was intensely luminous, and Central Oregon was a mix of green and brown, with those unmistakable layerings of red and gold splashed across the eroded hills. Since I had recently been both to the Grand Canyon and the Colorado National Monument, I had some very valid points of comparison with the Painted Hills. But, you know what? These hills, they are something special, something magical. A walk through time, through millions of years of geological history, literally! Sure, having a dozen or so of my fellow humans around at the overlook changed things a bit. It wasn't as in winter, with the chilly winds rushing through the vast, open spaces around me. It was warm, hot even, with a gentle breeze rather than a scouring wind. It felt, well ... it felt RIGHT. You know that feeling - rare though it may be - when you (foolishly) think that all really is right in this world? The feeling that got you through the awkward years of your childhood, when things like waves and seagulls and Fourth of July fireworks were things to marvel at without even a trace of irony? That's the Painted Hills for you. They erode irony; they diminish sarcasm. They inspire dreams. If these hills, these beautiful, beautiful hills, if they can endure for so long and accept their slowly diminishing fate - they why can't we? Hope for the future. Color for the world. Hills painted by nature, or God, or Donald Trump for all I care. Just promise, you political leaders out there, to help us KEEP them this way. For all to see.. Isn't that the Statue of Liberty way? Go on an unscheduled road trip, Mr. Trump. Bring Hillary, too. Maybe Bernie and Barack will want to join you. Come here, to the Painted Hills. Don't talk. Don't adjust your hair. Just stare. In wonder. And then, let's all see what happens next. Would that be OK, Mrs. or Mr. President-to-be? You know: America the Beautiful and all. Out here, they really take that "beautiful" part seriously. Can't you see it? The beauty, I mean. The fruited plains, they are SO overrated. It's off-the-beaten-path fly-over places like this that make American so endearingly special. Think about it. We all get to LIVE here. We get the call places like these HOME, in all their Walt Whitmanesque, John Muiravian, Henry David Thoreauvian, Ed Abbeyian, Carl Sanburgian, Longfellownian, William Least Heat-Moonian grandeur. Cast your road trip vote in 2016 by exploring the Oregon Outback instead of some other, more famous vacation desination. Declare your independence from the interstate highway system this July 4th holiday weekend by planning a visit to the Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds. It's the world's best forgotten place, by a country mile. read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Painted Hills overlook. - Parks Near Me

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I have been across this great country of ours 3 times and seen many many amazing things. While the Painted Hills in John Day are without a doubt beautiful and interesting geologically, the site is far from spectacular. Am I glad I at least saw it? Yes, of course. But would I make another trip to see it again? No, that is not likely. First of all, the park is relatively small and there is not a whole lot to look at. There are only a couple rolling hillsides of the "painted hills" look. And yes, they are awesome! Gorgeous! But compared to the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park....this place is just....okay. One of the greatest disappointments of this location was the disconnection I felt between the land and the fossils. There was nothing what so ever to really link the two. I felt that the museum located up at Sheep Rock and the surrounding areas were two entirely different things and little to nothing was done on the exterior to really pull visitors into the geological finds of this area. There are no markers as to where fossils were found, no outdoor dig sites to view, no trail maps to show where fossils where found or what the different layers were comprised of (though the museum did go over this you won't remember by the time you are out hiking the trails and you'll wish you had something to help you interpret what you are viewing). All in all I felt like the fossil bed, if there really is one...I didn't see it, was an abstract thing that the park did a poor job in developing an experience for visitor to really dive in and learn, see and feel. Museums are great....but you can erect one of those anywhere. For visitors coming to the area, it would be nice to see it with our own eyes....out in the actual fossil bed area. The museum up at Sheep Rock was really neat, so if you are in the area I recommend paying the museum a visit. It looks like there is an active paleontology lab inside that you can view through windows, though there wasn't any thing going on the day we were there. read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Parks Near Me

Seriously, the best route to Mars! Another wonder of Oregon People are like "What, Oregon has a desert?!" Located in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. It is named after its colorful layers from the ancient river floodplains. I love love the colors, they are usually best seen during late afternoons. There is an overlook with a little hut that people can hang out at; it offers shade during sunny days. There are also trails that are marked with signs. It's about an hour and half from Redmond, and two hours from Bend. read more

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Painted Hills is a pretty neat place to stop by if you're around the area or if it's on the way of wherever you're headed to. I definitely would not recommend going out of your way to make a trip here though. Luckily for us, it was somewhat along the way during our trip so we had a chance to see it. read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Parks Near Me

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Beautiful and serene. We didn't do the hike, we just stopped and took pictures and stuff, but you can do a little hike if you choose. It's beautiful. The colors aren't as bright as in some of the pictures, but it is still amazing what nature can do. read more

Came here for the great 2017 eclipse. Perfect place away from city lights. But with unusually colorful mounds, unless one is in the dark (o; read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Gathering.... - Parks Near Me

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I've never seen anything like this in my life. Well, maybe the Grand Canyon can compete, but whatever. This place will awe anyone. I grew up in Oregon and with family that lived in John Day, I've seen this place numerous times but it still amazes me even today. The rich, unspoiled colors are everywhere, and the hills offer fantastic photos opportunities. My advice to everyone wanting to pull off to the side of the road and snap photos: DON'T. Stick to the clearly marked visitor parking areas. Pulling off into what looks like a solid place to park will likely result in you getting stuck in clay. Trust me. It happened to me. read more

Central Oregon, deep within the high desert, is an underrated place. Portlandia is the holy of holies for hipsters; the Oregon Coast has aquariums, amazing sights; the Portland-Eugene corridor abounds in wineries&craft beer. Mitchell, Oregon, is unassuming. The Painted Hills Unit is the best part of the John Day Fossil Beds. Their colors are breathtaking. They're brilliant with rainbow colors before rainbows became a thing in Facebook profiles. There's a family-friendly walkway among the vast, painted dunes. The colors are stunning. The hills are layers of sedimentary with some volcanic rock folded in. Despite the fact they were once ancient floodplain, the Painted Hills are colorful desert. There's a stark brilliance. Central Oregon has many gems, but the Painted Hills are the jewel in the crown. A National Monument, but worthy of National Park status. It's double rainbows on Earth, within the earth, oh my God! read more

How can you give a place that nature offers less than 5 stars?! This place is truly amazing. 33-40 million years old and just incredible. The Painted Cove is the better of the Painted Hills, IMO as you get to walk on a boardwalk style walkway through the smaller Painted Hills. Parking can become scarce, but that's to be expected at a place so popular. Show up early to beat the heat and the people. There's a little rest area that reminds me of an oasis when you see it. There is fresh grass, plenty of shade and flowers, etc. along with bathrooms. It's a nice place to have a picnic, which most people were doing. read more

How can you not say Mother Nature is a 5 star? We stayed in Bend the night before and drove about 2 1/2 hours to get to the Painted Hills. It was well worth it. It was still early morning so the hills changed as the sun rose. read more

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Beautiful & well worth the drive. Definitely do not expect an excessive amount of hiking, but expect pure beauty. My big advice: don't drink very much while you're there. There's only two restrooms for the entire park. Stop at the rest areas before you land to the Painted Hills & when you leave. Otherwise, an amazingly unforgettable experience. read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Windy at the top of the Carrol Hike. So worth it! - Parks Near Me

Very beautiful, evocative, spiritual place. Don't expect sweeping Vistas but what is there is totally memorable. Densely quiet and compelling. read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Parks Near Me

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I didn't want to believe the photos that I saw online that the Painted Hills could be so stunning. Boy, was I wrong!!!! Gorgeous! We arrived early in the morning so it wasn't the opportune time to see the hills but I loved that it wasn't very busy and we were able to enjoy the hills at our leisure. The small "hikes" we're easy and fairly flat. I wouldn't even consider them hikes but strolls. I would bring water no matter what, there isn't much shade and you never want to be caught off guard. It's definitely a must see! read more

Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds - Parks Near Me

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This place was amazing to me...so beautiful. My boyfriend and I went here unexpectedly last weekend after going to Baker City and being so disappointed. So, we decided to come here to scout out the hikes and campsites for a group trip in April. We caught a warm non-rainy weekend here so I hope that it is the same way mid-April. All the trails are well maintained and short, and great signage out there. A bummer people have to little and let their pets walk on the hills...It is truly beautiful here and I hope all get a chance to visit if not camp near here. read more

We did this in a day trip from Salem. It was a long day with lots of driving. It doable. Painted hills were beautiful smaller than expected. John day paleontology center worth drive to see fossils from the area. read more

awesome park... couple tips.. - if driving in from the north.. stop by the high school in the town of fossil where for a small donation they will allow u to hunt for fossils.. and its completely legal and legit.. - plan for a picnic dinner and watch the sun set watching the painted hills - painted hills are actually an hour west of this visitor center - the rangers and volunteers at this visitor center are super friendly and actively engage with the kids.. read more

BEAUTIFUL! I can't put into words how beautiful the exhibit was. In particular, the painted hills and the blue basin were truly wondrous.

Am grateful to be able to see the amazing landscape of The Painted Hills but that is all that there is to do here except for a short mile hike. I could've missed something but really you can see the whole thing pretty much from the comfort of your car in a short amount of time. read more