Lena Rivera
Oregon's Painted Hills, located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, are one of the state's seven wonders. The hills, composed of bright red and yellow clay, get their name from the delicately coloured stratifications in the soil, with yellows, golds, blacks, and reds best seen in the late afternoon. The Painted Hills are revered for their fossils, which have contributed to advancing our understanding of the evolution of plants and animals. The Painted Cove Trail, which takes around 10-15 minutes to walk, is a popular photo spot with an iconic boardwalk snaking through the hills. The Painted Hills Overlook is another great place to start your exploration of the park, with a wide path offering views of the hills from various vantage points. The closest big city is Bend, Oregon, which is a 2-hour drive (90 miles) away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon |
| Distance from nearby cities | 2-hour drive (90 miles) from Bend, 5-hour drive from Portland |
| Best time to visit | September, spring, and fall |
| Time to visit | Late afternoon, close to sunset |
| Trails | Painted Cove Trail, Red Hill Trail, Carroll Rim Trail, Leaf Hill Trail, Painted Hills Overlook Trail |
| Other attractions | Clarno Unit, Sheep Rock Unit, Thomas Condon Paleontology Center |
| Facilities | Bathrooms, water fountain, picnic tables, benches, ranger station/gift shop |
| Other information | No food options, no tree cover, fossils are protected by federal law |
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What You'll Learn
Driving directions to Painted Hills, Oregon
The Painted Hills in Oregon are located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, a small town in eastern Oregon. The closest big city is Bend, Oregon, which is a 2-hour drive (90 miles). From Bend, take US-26 5 miles east of Mitchell and then turn right at the signs for John Day Fossil Beds — Painted Hills Unit.
If you're driving from Portland, the journey will take around 5 hours. Take US25, turn onto Burnt Ridge Road, and follow the signs for Painted Hills.
The Painted Hills are one of three units that comprise the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The main site is just outside of Mitchell, Oregon. To get there, follow Highway 26 from Prineville, Oregon to the Painted Hills, towards Mitchell. Prineville is the last chance for services, but there are hotel options in nearby Mitchell, including The Oregon Hotel and Painted Hills Cottages and Retreat.
The Painted Cove Trail is a very pretty 10-15 minute walk that can be accessed by car. The overlook has excellent views of the valley.
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Best times to visit Painted Hills
The Painted Hills in Oregon are considered one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. The hills get their name from the delicately coloured stratifications in the soil. The yellows, golds, blacks and reds of the Painted Hills are best seen in the late afternoon when the light is good for photography. The tones and hues may appear to change from one visit to another, as the claystones differ with changing light and moisture levels.
Spring often brings yellow wildflowers that grow in open areas and sometimes in the ripples of the hills. In winter, the hills can be covered in snow, hiding the vibrant hues until the snow melts, revealing stripes of gold and red. The spring months (April, May and early June) are a good time to visit, but there is a higher chance of rain. The hills are more vibrant after the rain, so don't let this deter you!
September and October are also good months to visit the Painted Hills. The days are sunny, but the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for exploring.
The Painted Hills are located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, with the closest big city being Bend, Oregon, which is a 2-hour drive away. The drive there is half the fun, with bucolic landscapes and small towns. From Bend, take US-26 5 miles east of Mitchell and then turn right at the signs for John Day Fossil Beds — Painted Hills Unit. There are many benches with views, so take a picnic and enjoy the scenery.
The Painted Hills are best known for their abundance of fossils, with thousands having been excavated from the area. The fossils found here have helped advance our understanding of the evolution of plants and animals. Fossil collecting is prohibited, so make sure to leave any fossils you see and tell the staff at the visitor centre about your discovery.
There are many hikes at the Painted Hills, with the Red Scar Knoll being a short and sweet trail that takes you to a massive hill composed of bright red and yellow clay. The Leaf Hill Trail is also interesting, with informative signs that explain the area's history.
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Trails and hikes at Painted Hills
The Painted Hills in Oregon are a sight to behold, with their delicately coloured stratifications in the soil. The hills, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon, are located just outside of Mitchell, OR, and are one of three units that comprise the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The Painted Hills are best known for their abundance of fossils, which have contributed significantly to our understanding of plant and animal evolution.
There are several trails and hikes within the Painted Hills Unit, none of which are very long. In fact, you can easily complete every trail within the unit in a single day. Here are some of the trails you can explore:
Carroll Rim Trail
The Carroll Rim Trail is the lengthiest hike in the Painted Hills Unit, stretching 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip. The trail offers panoramic views of the hills and is especially beautiful after it rains, as the colours of the clay soils intensify. The trail can be steep at the beginning, but it gentles out before reaching the top. At the summit, you'll be treated to 180-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
Painted Cove Trail
The Painted Cove Trail is a short trail that takes about 10-15 minutes to walk. It is located a short drive from the main overlook area and offers pretty views of the colourful hills and the valley.
Red Scar Knoll
The Red Scar Knoll trail takes you over fragile landscapes to a massive hill composed of bright red and yellow clay. The trail is short and level, and it is recommended to stick to the trail to preserve the fragile biota. This trail can provide an otherworldly experience, with its unique colours and landscapes reminiscent of African or Australian safari scenes.
Leaf Hill Trail
The Leaf Hill Trail doesn't feature any colourful hills, but it does offer informative signs that explain the area's interesting history. This trail can be a great way to learn more about the geology and significance of the Painted Hills.
Painted Hills Overlook
While not exactly a trail, the Painted Hills Overlook offers a welcoming view of diagonal lines of brilliant colour folding down the hills to the valley floor. There are benches along this trail, providing the perfect spot for a picnic and some downtime.
When planning a visit to the Painted Hills, it is important to keep in mind that the area has limited cell and WiFi service. It is recommended to download maps and directions beforehand and take necessary precautions, such as carrying snacks, water, warm clothing, and sunscreen. Additionally, be aware of potential encounters with rattlesnakes along the trails.
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Photography spots at Painted Hills
The Painted Hills in Oregon are a popular destination for photographers, who come from all over the world to capture the area's stunning colourful hills and valleys. The hills are located nine miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, and 75 miles east of Bend, Oregon.
There are five trails in total at the Painted Hills, each offering something unique for photographers. The Painted Cove Trail is a 0.25-mile round-trip loop on a level boardwalk, allowing visitors to get up close to the colourful soils. The boardwalk also offers an iconic view of the boardwalk itself with the red hills in the background. The Overlook Trail is a 0.5-mile trail that is tied with the Painted Cove Trail as the easiest trail. The trail offers different vantages to admire the scenery, and it is recommended to photograph the hills from different areas along the trail. The Carroll Rim Trail is the longest trail in the park at 1.6 miles round trip, ascending over 400 feet in elevation and offering a view of the smaller yellow hills and the redder parts of the northern side.
The best time to photograph the Painted Hills is during the golden hour, particularly in the early evening when the light is softer, or after it rains, as the colours of the hills intensify. Sunset is also a popular time for photography, although it can be crowded. It is also recommended to give yourself a few hours before sunset and then stay through to do some night star photography.
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Accommodation near Painted Hills
There are several accommodation options near Painted Hills, Oregon, ranging from hotels and motels to cottages and cabins. Here is some detailed information on a few of them:
Painted Hills Vacation Cottages
Barbara and Aruna Jacobi, a mother-daughter duo, have been offering a unique experience at their Painted Hills Vacation Cottages for over 13 years. Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Mitchell, their four European-style cottages come in different sizes, catering to various needs, from personal retreats to group vacations. The cottages are well-appointed with full kitchens, bathrooms, front rooms, dining areas, and gardens. They are surrounded by rugged Eastern Oregon landscapes, including the Painted Hills, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Sutton Mountain Wilderness, and Smith Rock.
Coyote Camp
Coyote Camp is a one-room cabin located off Highway 26 in Mitchell, Oregon, just a 10-minute drive from Painted Hills. It offers a tranquil escape amidst nature, with opportunities for walks and outdoor breakfasts on the deck. The cabin features a queen-size bed, a small kitchen, and basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
Off Grid Ranch's Apt
Located on the backside of Painted Hills, this 1,600-square-foot ground-level apartment offers a spacious stay with a garden area and separate entrances. It accommodates larger groups with two queen beds in one bedroom and a crib in a semi-private area. The apartment has a full kitchen and bath, making it ideal for longer stays. Guests can enjoy various outdoor activities nearby, such as hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and exploring the John Day River.
Hotels and Motels
For those seeking more traditional accommodations, there are several hotels and motels in the area. TripAdvisor lists various options, including the Fossil Lodge, Bellavista Bed & Breakfast, and Hotel Condon, which are all within a 40-mile radius of Painted Hills. These establishments offer a range of amenities, and their distances from Painted Hills vary, providing flexibility based on your preferences.
Additionally, Airbnb lists numerous vacation rentals and homes near Painted Hills Reservoir, with prices starting at $20 per night. These accommodations offer varying proximity to Painted Hills and provide modern amenities, breathtaking views, and easy access to local attractions.
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Frequently asked questions
The closest big city to the Painted Hills is Bend, which is a 2-hour drive (90 miles).
The main approach follows Highway 26 from Prineville, Oregon, to the Painted Hills, toward Mitchell, Oregon.
The Painted Cove Trail, the Red Hill Trail, and the Carroll Rim Trail are all popular trails that bring you up close to the hills.
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