Oregon
Nature

Oregon’s Hidden Natural Wonder Is Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen

Published Jun 23, 2017

Written by 

Tessa Metcalf

Looking for something amazing to do this summer? How about exploring one of Oregon's hidden natural wonders?

While certain places like Crater Lake and Multnomah Falls are known throughout the country, there are a few lesser-known wonders scattered throughout the Beaver State that you won't find in the guide books. A visit to this one otherworldly place hiding in the Oregon desert will drop your jaw to the floor. Check it out:

The Sheep Rock unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a stunning hidden gem located in the Central Oregon desert near Dayville. This unique, breathtaking landscape will make you feel like you've landed on another planet.

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flickr/ Tjflex2

Sheep Rock is full of amazing geological formations that date back millions of years.

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flickr/ Tjflex2

Unique circumstances led to the preservation and uncovering of millions of years worth of delicately layered volcanic ash and clay, creating colorful rock formations that would look right at home on mars.

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flickr/ Eric Prado

While people far and wide know about the famous Painted Hills unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, far fewer know that this amazing place exists.

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flickr/ Andrew Kearns

Beautiful hiking trails wind through the area, taking visitors on otherworldly journeys through the strange and beautiful landscape.

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flickr/ Tjflex2

Here's a photo of one of the amazing rock formations that you'll find along the 0.3-mile Story In Stone Trail.

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flickr/ Tjflex2

The Blue Basin Overlook Trail is another great hike that loops through the incredible scenery and offers stunning vista views of Blue Basin and the the John Day River Valley. This hike is 3.25 miles long.

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flickr/ Tjflex2

Sheep Rock is also home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, a wonderful museum where you'll find interactive displays and hundreds of rare fossils that were collected throughout the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

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flickr/ A.Davey

Exploring this otherworldly place is downright fascinating. It's the perfect destination for an unforgettable day trip.

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flickr/ Eric Prado

Check out this interactive Google Map to find out how to get there.

Find out about the most famous unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the legendary Painted Hills, here.

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Nature|Forests

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Oregon’s Fall Foliage In 2024

Oregon offers stunning fall foliage with peak colors from early October to mid-November, highlighted by several scenic locations.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Will Suphan

It’s becoming the time of year when pumpkins and squash are harvested, ciders are brewed, and the leaves turn from green into a beautiful array of gold, orange, and rust, making the landscape look like a painting. I know I’m ready to get out there and see all the natural beauty during fall in Oregon, but exactly when do leaves change color in Oregon?

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Thankfully, There's a handy Oregon Fall Foliage Map for 2024 by our friends at SmokyMountains.com so nature lovers know when and where to go to see these lovely colors.

The Fall Foliage Prediction Map is a handy online tool showing where and when fall colors will come into full display all over the United States. How? SmokyMountains.com utilizes a refined data model that depends on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data.

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Ian Sane/Flickr

Generally, Oregon's fall foliage comes in waves, with the northern regions seeing fall colors first, followed by the eastern side of the Beaver State.

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Chris Anson/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

For an especially stunning display of fall colors, head to the Portland Japanese Garden in mid-October to see its famous tree, which will be bursting with color and is utterly breathtaking to behold.

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Michael Matti/Flickr

During the same time, take a quick drive to Multnomah Falls where the rushing waterfall is framed by gold and orange trees. Head to the bridge to take in the splendor of the Columbia River Gorge.

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Bob Davidson Photography/Moment Via Getty Images

In October, head east to Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area where you’ll see the colorful deciduous trees intermingled with the evergreen conifers. You’ll also be able to see a part of Oregon Trail history!

Later in the season, you can catch the last of Oregon’s fall colors in beautiful Bend. The town’s parks are wonderful places for viewing foliage and the colorful trees really pop in contrast with the evergreen trees.

As you can see, Oregon is the perfect place to be during autumn. If you’ve been asking, “When do leaves change color in Oregon?”, you now have the answer! Get ready to pack up the car for a road trip to see the vibrant fall colors in Oregon.

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Nature

The Little Known Cave In Oregon That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once

Derrick Cave in Oregon offers a unique lava tube exploration experience with historical significance and year-round accessibility.

Updated Jul 23, 2024

Written by 

Catherine Armstrong

If you love exploring caves in Oregon, you're in luck. Everyone is familiar with Oregon Caves National Monument, but there are other subterranean wonderlands around the state. A tour company offers adventures in these lava tube caves near Bend, and there's another little-known cave that's also a must-visit. Check out Derrick Cave:

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Derrick Cave is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. You'll find it just south of Bend.

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Bureau of Land Management/flickr

To reach the cave, travel on Highway 20 to Forest Road 23. You'll take a dirt road onto Road 2325, then drive until you reach a small parking lot. The dirt road is very rough, so take it slow.

The best way to enter the cave is right from the parking lot.

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Bureau of Land Management/flickr

The large entrance is easy to walk right into! Make sure you're wearing some sturdy shoes, and bring along at least one light source (a second backup is always a good idea).

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Alexander Tidwell/Google

This lava tube cave was formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. It's 1,200 feet long - one of the longest in the state.

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Alexander Tidwell/Google

Multiple skylights in the northern end of the cave brighten portions of the cave, creating excellent photo opportunities. The sunlight also helps you explore the walls of the cave.

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Bureau of Land Management/flickr

Much of the cave has a wide, sandy path, but as you reach the southern end of the lava tube it becomes darker and more narrow.

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jonathan Truong/Google

The only animals found in Derrick Cave are small mammals and some insects. While you might hear them rustling about, don't worry - you won't run into any bats here. In fact, since bats don't hibernate here, you can explore Derrick Cave year-round.

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By Bureau of Land Management (United States Department of Interior/Wikimedia

The cave is always 15-20 degrees cooler than aboveground, so an adventure here is perfect on a hot summer day.

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jonathan Truong/Google

Derrick Cave has a unique history. During the Cold War, it was designated as an official fallout shelter, and stocked with food and water.

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Bureau of Land Management/flickr

There aren't any services available at Derrick Cave, so bring plenty of water. Leave your pets at home - they're not allowed inside the cave.

Have you explored Derrick Cave? What are some of your favorite caves in Oregon? We'd love to hear about your adventures in the comments! And be sure to check out our list of outdoor essentials before embarking on your excursion.

Looking for more to explore? Check out this stunning footage of Cannon Beach:

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