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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 Sheep Rock, hike a trail at the Painted Hills, or picnic at Clarno, Oregon's exciting past will be revealed.

Learn about the park before you visit by exploring our new virtual tour!

 
Image of a nimravid fossil.

Paleontology at the Monument

Paleontological research is ongoing within the monument. Click here to learn more about JODA's paleontology program.
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Image of Sheep Rock.

Sheep Rock

Sheep Rock, towering 1,100 feet above the John Day River, gives its name to this unit of the monument. This unit also features the park visitor center.
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Image of the Clarno palisades.

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.
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Image of the Painted Hills.

Painted Hills

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

32651 Highway 19,
Kimberly, OR 97848

Phone

General Information
(541) 987-2333

Painted Hills
(541) 462-3961

Fax

(541) 987-2336

Climate

The climate at the monument tends to be hot and dry in the summer months with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F at times. Winters are cold, averaging 25 degrees F each day, with occasional snow and rain.
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Communities Surrounding John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Dayville, OR (11 min. ) Pop. 138
Kimberly, OR (18 min. )
Antelope, OR (27 min. ) Pop. 59
Spray, OR (27 min. ) Pop. 140
Fossil, OR (27 min. ) Pop. 469
Monument, OR (34 min. ) Pop. 151
Shaniko, OR (39 min. ) Pop. 26
Mount Vernon, OR (41 min. ) Pop. 595
Condon, OR (50 min. ) Pop. 759
Ashwood, OR (53 min. )
Kent, OR (59 min. )
Long Creek, OR (1 hr.  9 min. ) Pop. 228
Paulina, OR (1 hr.  32 min. )