The Painted Hills, a collection of colorful hills, is a part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. We drove to this place from Bend, a 85 mile (2 hours) drive up north. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument consists of three units (Sheep Rock and Clarno being the other two), but the Painted Hills are the most popular of the three. Brilliant multi-colored stripes mar these hills with bright reds, yellows, and pastel greens.
The colors are formed due to :
- Red/orange soil: Laterite formed during humidity and warmth.
- Black soil: Lignite (vegetation that grew along the floodplain)
- Grey soil: Shale, mudstone and siltstone
Every trail has its own parking lot, and most of the trails are very short (the longest being 1.6 miles). There are in all 5 hikes and if you choose to do all 5, expect to clock in around 3 miles of hiking. Plan on spending 2-3 hours here.
Painted Hills Overlook – After you enter the park, the first parking area will have 2 hikes that start near each other and can easily be combined. The hike to the Painted Hills Overlook is to the right and is an easy, 0.5 mile out and back one. The views of the surrounding landscape makes this one of the best hikes at the Painted Hills. From the overlook you’ll be privy to dramatic striated rolling hills boasting bright reds, greens and yellows. You will probably get an incredible view of the colors on the hill during sunset.
Carroll Rim Trail – This trail takes you in the opposite direction to the Overlook train and is Moderately difficult, 1.6 miles out and back, with a 400 feet of elevation gain. As you go up this trail, you will be able to view the striated rolling hills from the opposite side and as you go up and around you get a view of the The the valley below and other painted hills in the park. This is the longest trail in the park while still being completely manageable.
The Painted Cove Trail – Easy, 0.25 mile loop. This is the most popular trail with a picturesque boardwalk surrounded by bright red hills on either side. The boardwalk stretches a short portion of the hike, and was not too crowded as we visited this place quite early in the morning. The trail goes up to an overlook from where you get a stunning view of the painted cove and the water body beyond.
Red Scar Knoll Trail – Easy, 0.25 mile loop. This short and sweet trail takes you to a massive hill composed of bright red and yellow clay.
Leaf Hill Trail – Easy, 1/4 mile loop – This trail doesn’t lead you to any colorful hills or scenic views like the other hikes. Leaf Hill has been extensively excavated and studied by paleontologists. Signs explain more of its history. If you are short on time, you can skip this hike. We had time and so went around the trail enjoying the peaceful surroundings and reading the signs.
