John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

A visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, is like taking a journey into ancient Oregon. Whether you tour the museum at the Sheep Rock unit, hike a trail at the Painted Hills, or picnic at Clarno, Oregon's exciting past will be revealed.

Painted Hills: Rich in color and texture, the Painted Hills are an excellent example of the power of erosion.

Clarno: West of the town of Fossil, the clarno palisades march across the horizon. These pillars of mud preserve the remains of brontotheres, creodonts, palm trees and bananas.

Sheep Rock: Sheep Rock, towering 1,100 feet above the John Day River, gives its name to this unit of the monument.