Painted Hills Unit (John Day Fossil Beds National Monument)

The appropriately named "Painted Hills" is one of the three units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and is located in Wheeler County, 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon and 75 miles east of Bend.



The hills get their name from the delicately colored sttratifications in the soil and the yellows, golds, blacks, and reds of the Painted Hills are best seen in the late afternoon. Tones and hue may appear to change from one visit to another, as the claystones differwith ever-changing light and moisture levels.



Don't forget to check out the Sheep Rock Unit and the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.