John Day National Monument - Clarno Unit - Fossil, Oregon

Rory S.

Long drive to the smallest part of this monument. We drove from the Thomas Condon center and looped all the way out here. It was the least impressive of the 3 units in my opinion with painted hills being the best of them. The park is cool but tiny. The palisades are very interesting rock outcroppings for sure, but the trail of fossils was not what I hoped for. We saw one leaf and 1 stick in the boulders over this .5 mile trail.

Bob M.

It was a nice place to stop and view the mountain range. They had a few covered picnic benches for enjoying your lunch while looking at the beautiful rock formations. The restroom has outhouse style toilets. It has a dog walkway through part of the park. We enjoyed our visit to this National Park Monument. Enjoy it while you are in the area!

Carla I.

This is a gorgeous area, no many people visit. The most popular area are the painted hills. But the rest of the area is just another planet. I couldn’t visit all area in 1 1/2. I need 3 days at least. Planning to come back. We stayed in Mitchel, very small town, but is in the middle of the area.

Kris R.

Make sure and visit all three areas of the Monument. Very informative and a nice little walk! After checking out this gem, head down to the painted hills near Mitchell. Just make sure to top off on fuel, gas stations are few and far between in this area.

The landscape here is stunning, with dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and canyons that seem to go on forever. The colors of the rocks and cliffs change with the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadows.

One of the highlights of John Day National Monument is the stunning rock formations. The rocks here are incredibly unique and look like they have been sculpted by an artist. The colors of the rocks range from deep reds and oranges to pale yellows and whites, making for a stunning display of natural beauty. The park also has several hiking trails that lead you through the different formations, allowing you to explore the park at your own pace.

Another highlight is the wildlife. This place is home to a wide variety of animals, including deer, elk, coyotes, and birds. As you hike through the park, you will often come across these animals, adding to the overall experience.

Christophe B.

This is the last unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument that I visited. I arrived here a little late in the day, and the visitor center was already closed. Nevertheless, it is very beautiful and definitely worth doing the short and easy. hike to get closer to the formations. I would recommend to first visit the Sheep Rock Unit and stop at the Thomas Condon Visitor Center because that’s where the geology of this vast area is explained putting into context the formations that can been seen when visiting the 3 units (Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno) comprising this National Monument. Note that there is quite a bit of driving between the units which can make visiting the monument in 1 day challenging without rushing.

Liz G.

Great education facility, walking through time museum. It’s a great experience and surrounded by magnificent views. Take snacks and water, especially during summer you want to have extra water with you. Make sure to fill up your gas tank before heading there. It’s usually my first stop when driving the Fossil Beds Journey Through Time route. Many great places with breathtaking hikes, there’s also a Paleontology Museum. If you like fossils I highly recommend having the whole experience.

Andy S.

Interesting place to visit. Its quite spread out with 3 different units, miles apart. The main visitor center is really nice but in the sheep rock unit and the Painted Hills is the best bit to visit, but this bit is really nice too. The hiking around here is good with excellent views.

ryan B.

Very beautiful and tranquil place. Great for a hike or a picnic.