Painted Hills — John Day Fossil Beds
Oregon · National Monument · Pacific Northwest Region
The Painted Hills are thirty-three million years of volcanic history compressed into rolling mounds striped in red, gold, bronze, and black, a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. There are no crowds, no services, and no noise. You are in this ancient, painted silence with a view that makes most people stop talking and just look.
- Best season
- March–June (wildflowers), September–October
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Max group size
- 50 people
Permit Information
NPS Special Use Permit required for any ceremony. $50 application fee (cashier's check, money order, or personal check). Two ceremony locations: Painted Hills Picnic Area (50 max, 6 vehicles, chairs allowed) and Painted Hills Trail Overlook (16 max, 5 vehicles, limited chairs). Schedule up to 1 year in advance, no later than 21 days prior. No entrance fee for the monument.
Ceremony Spots at Painted Hills — John Day Fossil Beds
- Painted Hills Overlook — Ceremony overlooking the striped volcanic hills from the primary viewpoint — the classic Painted Hills composition
- Carroll Rim Trail — Elevated panoramic ceremony with aerial views of the entire Painted Hills unit and surrounding high desert
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