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Posted in Oregon Hiking, Nature March 01, 2022 by Sarah McCosham

Take A Meandering Path To An Oregon Overlook That’s Like Something Out Of A Sci-Fi Film

Oregon’s famous Painted Hills are located inside the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in east-central Oregon. This is a rugged and resplendent region in the high desert of central Oregon — and its beauty will take you by surprise. For the most immersive and sublime experience of this picturesque place, take the Painted Hills Overlook trail. At less than a mile long, this out-and-back trail winds through sublime desert scenery, leading to an Oregon overlook with a view that’s downright otherworldly.

The Painted Hills are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon -- and indeed, they are nothing short of wondrous.

This site is named for the colorful layers of its hills, which correspond to various geological eras, formed when the area was an ancient river floodplain.

The result is an immensely beautiful area that's downright otherworldly. And happily, it's also one of the most accessible natural wonders in Oregon!

One of the best ways to take in the area, the Painted Hills Overlook trail is a 0.6-mile, moderately trafficked, out-and-back trail that's accessible for all skill levels.

This dog-friendly trek leads to a scenic overlook with views sure to take your breath away.

Beautiful all year round, there's something special about experiencing the Painted Hills in each season.

(Though we are partial to the Painted Hills when they've been painted with a soft dusting of snow.)

The Painted Hills of Oregon are a place that's sure to feed the flames of your wanderlust -- and leave a lasting impression.

And if you tackle this trail while the sun is setting, be prepared for a sublime and spectacular show from Mother Nature that you'll never forget.

Have you hiked the Painted Hills Overlook trail in Oregon before? This really is a hike that belongs on every Beaver State adventurer’s bucket list!

For more bucket-list-worthy hikes in Oregon, here are 12, one for each month of the year.

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Address: Painted Hills Overlook, Overlook Trail, Mitchell, OR 97750, USA

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.