Exploring Oregon’s Painted Hills: A Geological Wonder You Have to See
With vibrant red, gold, and black layers, the Painted Hills are one of Oregon’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, these colorful hills reveal millions of years of geological history, making them a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Where Are the Painted Hills?
📍 Location: Eastern Oregon, near Mitchell
🚗 Drive Time from Portland: ~4.5 hours
🔗 Visit the Painted Hills
🚗 Drive Time from Portland: ~4.5 hours
🔗 Visit the Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, a region famous for well-preserved plant and animal fossils dating back millions of years.
Best Time to Visit the Painted Hills
🌸 Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom, creating even more colorful landscapes.
☀️ Summer (June-August): The hills look most vibrant in the golden hour, but midday heat can be intense.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Cooler weather and stunning sunset colors.
❄️ Winter (December-February): A peaceful and quiet season, sometimes with a light dusting of snow.
☀️ Summer (June-August): The hills look most vibrant in the golden hour, but midday heat can be intense.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Cooler weather and stunning sunset colors.
❄️ Winter (December-February): A peaceful and quiet season, sometimes with a light dusting of snow.
Top Things to Do at the Painted Hills
1. Take in the View from the Painted Hills Overlook
The main viewpoint at the Painted Hills provides breathtaking panoramic views of the colorful hills.
📷 Photography Tip: Visit during the late afternoon or golden hour for the most vibrant colors.
📍 Location: Main parking area near the Painted Hills entrance
🚶 Distance: Short walk from the parking lot
🚶 Distance: Short walk from the parking lot
2. Hike the Best Trails in the Painted Hills
There are several short and scenic hikes that allow visitors to explore the hills up close.
🥾 Top Hiking Trails:
- Painted Hills Overlook Trail (0.5 miles round trip) – A short trail with stunning ridge views.
- Painted Cove Trail (0.25 miles round trip) – A boardwalk trail through red clay formations.
- Carroll Rim Trail (1.6 miles round trip) – The best viewpoint from above the Painted Hills.
- Leaf Hill Trail (0.3 miles round trip) – Learn about fossilized plant remains found in the hills.
3. Explore the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
The Painted Hills are one of three units in the John Day Fossil Beds. If you have extra time, explore these nearby areas:
🦴 Other Units to Visit:
- Sheep Rock Unit – Home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where you can see real fossils.
- Clarno Unit – Features ancient fossilized logs and dramatic rock formations.
📍 Drive Time from Painted Hills: ~1 hour to Sheep Rock, ~2 hours to Clarno
4. Enjoy a Scenic Drive Around the Painted Hills
A beautiful scenic drive loops through the Painted Hills area, with pullouts for photography and sightseeing.
🚗 Must-Stop Viewpoints:
- Red Scar Knoll – One of the most unique formations in the park.
- Painted Cove Boardwalk – An easy accessible walk through deep red clay hills.
📍 Road Conditions: Mostly gravel, but suitable for most vehicles.
5. Capture Incredible Photos of the Hills
The Painted Hills are one of the most photographed locations in Oregon, with brilliant colors that change throughout the day.
📷 Best Photography Tips:
- Golden Hour (early morning or late afternoon) – Enhances the red and gold hues.
- After Rainfall – Colors appear extra saturated when the ground is wet.
- Use a Tripod – For sharper, more vibrant images.
Where to Stay Near the Painted Hills
🏨 Hotels & Lodging:
- Spoke’n Hostel (Mitchell, OR) – A cozy and budget-friendly option.
- Best Western John Day Inn (John Day, OR) – A comfortable stay with easy access to the John Day Fossil Beds.
🏕️ Camping Options:
- Mitchell City Park Campground – A small-town camping option close to the hills.
- Ochoco National Forest Campgrounds – Offers beautiful forested camping near the area.
Tips for Visiting the Painted Hills
✅ Check road conditions – Some roads are gravel but accessible for most cars.
✅ Bring water and snacks – No services are available inside the park.
✅ Respect the landscape – Stay on designated trails to protect the delicate ecosystem.
✅ Visit on a clear day – The hills look most vibrant under direct sunlight.
✅ Be mindful of heat in summer – Daytime temperatures can be extreme.
✅ Bring water and snacks – No services are available inside the park.
✅ Respect the landscape – Stay on designated trails to protect the delicate ecosystem.
✅ Visit on a clear day – The hills look most vibrant under direct sunlight.
✅ Be mindful of heat in summer – Daytime temperatures can be extreme.
Nearby Attractions in Oregon
If you're visiting the Painted Hills, consider exploring these nearby attractions:
- Smith Rock State Park – A rock climber’s paradise with dramatic cliffs (2 hours away).
- Prineville Reservoir – A great spot for kayaking and fishing (1.5 hours away).
- Blue Basin (Sheep Rock Unit) – A unique blue-green rock formation (1 hour away).
Final Thoughts
The Painted Hills are one of Oregon’s most unique natural wonders, offering stunning scenery, fascinating geology, and incredible photography opportunities. Whether you're hiking, driving, or simply admiring the views, this must-visit destination is an unforgettable stop on any Oregon road trip.
For more Oregon travel guides, check out our Willamette Valley Wine Guide and Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide.
