This Underrated National Monument Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In Oregon
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Tessa Metcalf
Author
Oregon is full of jaw-dropping places to explore, from snowy peaks and old-growth forests to majestic deserts and rugged coastlines. One of the Beaver State’s most unique and stunning landscapes is located at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in central Oregon. This amazing national monument features incredible geological formations, ancient fossils, and the monument’s crown jewel: the Painted Hills.
The Painted Hills is a breathtakingly beautiful place. These ancient hills were formed over millions of years and are layered with unusual soils, clays, and minerals that give them their vibrant stripes.
Here's a close up of the enchanting, colorful hills.
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Take a truly unforgettable hike through this otherworldly landscape; numerous short trails wind through the hills.
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The hills appear to change colors depending on the season, time of day, and the moisture in the air. The monument's website recommends visiting in the late afternoon to see the most intense colors.
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is made up of three separate units: The Painted Hills Unit, Sheep Rock Unit, and Clarno Unit. Here's a photo of the Clarno Unit, where you'll find incredible, delicate-looking pillars formed by volcanic activity and ancient waterfalls.
At the Sheep Rock Unit, you'll find stunning vistas like this one above as well as fossil beds, incredible rock formations like Blue Basin Ridge, and the fascinating Thomas Condon Paleontology Center.
Have you been to this amazing place? What did you think?
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