Have you ever seen land so striking it feels like art? The Painted Hills in Oregon are exactly that. It is a masterpiece of nature.

Painted Hills is part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon. Two other units of the monument are Sheep Rock and Clarno.

Painted Hills are known as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, famous for:

• Vibrant soil colors,
• Fascinating fossils,
• Unique geology,
• Ancient history,
• And hiking trails.

When I visited, I couldn't believe how peaceful it felt.

The hills stretched out like a giant, colorful canvas, and the quiet was only broken by the sound of the wind.

Have you ever been somewhere that made you feel connected to something much bigger?

That's what the Painted Hills do.

The Painted Hills is also a window into Earth's history.

Let's explore why this natural treasure in Oregon's high desert is so unique.

Why Are the Painted Hills So Unique?

The Painted Hills are full of history, and their colorful layers are more than just a pretty sight. They tell the story of millions of years of geological and climate change.

Here's what makes them stand out.

Vivid colors:

• Red and gold layers are made of iron oxides, like rust.
• Yellow and orange hues come from a mix of iron and magnesium oxides.
• Lavender-gray stripes are from rhyolitic lava, weathered over millions of years.

Striped history: Each layer in the hills represents a different time in Earth's history, from 33 to 40 million years ago. The layers are like a timeline of climate changes, from tropical jungles to drier, seasonal forests.

Fossils everywhere: The hills hold fossils of ancient plants, animals, and even insects, providing a glimpse into prehistoric life.

The Geological History of the Painted Hills

Imagine standing here millions of years ago.

What would you see?

The Painted Hills were once part of an ancient floodplain shaped by volcanic activity, rivers, and shifting climates.

Here's a breakdown of their formation.

40 million years ago

The region was covered in lush tropical forests. The warm, wet climate left behind the deep red bands in the hills. These red layers, called paleosols, formed in moist soil rich with iron.

33 million years ago

The climate became cooler and drier. Deciduous forests like oaks, maples, and birches replaced the tropical jungles. The yellows and tans you see today formed in this drier environment.

16 million years ago

Massive lava flows, called flood basalts, spread across the region, covering thousands of square miles. These layers of basalt can still be seen in the distant ridgelines of the Painted Hills.

Today

Erosion has revealed these layers of ancient soil, creating the colorful hills we see now. Rain, wind, and time continue to shape the landscape.

What Do the Layers In The Painted Hills Mean?

The stripes in the Painted Hills aren't just pretty. They're full of geological history. Each color tells a story about the environment at the time it formed:

• Red layers: Formed in warm, wet climates. These are the oldest layers, found near the bottom of the hills.
• Yellow and tan layers: Created during drier periods with less standing water.
• Dark soil: This is lignite, or brown coal, made from ancient vegetation.
• Gray layers: Composed of mudstone, shale, and siltstone from ancient rivers and lakes.

Next time you see the hills, think about how each stripe is like a chapter in Earth's history.

Fossils Found in the Painted Hills

The Painted Hills are not just a geological wonder. They're also a treasure trove of fossils. Over millions of years, plants and animals were preserved in the sediment. Some of the most fascinating discoveries include:

Plant fossils - Trees like oaks, maples, birches, and the Dawn Redwood dominated the ancient forests. Thousands of fossilized leaves from the Dawn Redwood have been found here.

Animal fossils - Although less common, fossils of fish, amphibians, birds, and insects have been uncovered in the area.

Bridge Creek Flora - This fossil site contains a remarkable collection of plants, offering a detailed look at the region's changing ecosystems.

Did you know? The Dawn Redwood, once thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in China in the 1940s. It is now Oregon's state fossil!

Hiking Trails at the Painted Hills

Exploring the Painted Hills is easy and rewarding, thanks to its well-maintained hiking trails. Each trail offers unique views of the hills and their colorful layers.

Carroll Rim Trail: 1.6 miles round trip, with a 400-foot elevation gain. This is the longest trail and offers panoramic views of the hills.

Painted Hills Overlook Trail: A short 0.5-mile walk with some of the best views of the hills' vibrant stripes.

Painted Cove Trail: Just 0.25 miles, this trail takes you through a boardwalk surrounded by colorful hills.

Leaf Fossil Trail (aka Leaf Hill Trail): Another 0.25-mile trail located near a site where fossils were once collected.

Red Scar Knoll Trail: A quick 0.25-mile trail where you'll see striking red soil.

Each trail has its own parking area, so exploring multiple trails in one day is easy. Which one will you choose first?

When to Visit the Painted Hills

The Painted Hills are stunning year-round, but they look different depending on the season and weather. Here's what to expect:

Spring - Wildflowers bloom, adding pops of color to the hills.

Summer - The warm, dry weather makes the colors more vibrant.

Fall - Cooler temperatures make hiking more comfortable.

Winter - Snow creates a striking contrast with the hills' colors.

Rain changes the colors, too. After a storm, you might see pastel pinks instead of reds or brighter golds where yellow once was.

Tips for Visiting

To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind.

Bring water: There's no drinking water available in this part of the park.

Pack a picnic: The park has shaded picnic tables with incredible views.

Respect the land: Fossil collection is prohibited, and trash services are minimal. Pack out everything you bring in.

Wear sturdy shoes: Even the short trails can be dusty or uneven.

THERE IS NO ROCKHOUNDING AT THE PARK

More Fun Facts About the Painted Hills

Here are some fascinating facts you might not know:

• The Painted Hills receive just 12 inches of rain per year, compared to 47 inches during their wetter past.
• The black spots on some hills are from manganese concentrations.
• The hills are named for their painted appearance, with colors that change depending on the time of day and weather.

For geology lovers, this area is like a giant outdoor textbook. For everyone else, it's just plain beautiful.