John Day Painted Hills

This past week, we finally made our much anticipated trip to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Read more about this gorgeous place at John Day Website

Moreover, there are at least three separate sections of the John Day Fossil Beds, and our focus was on the Painted Hills section near Mitchell Oregon.

As described online, the Painted Hills Unit contains 3,132 acres of scenic marvels unique even in the Pacific Northwest. Located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, and 75 miles east of Bend, the Painted Hills are visited year-round.

Most years, the peak of wildflower season in late April to early May is spectacular. The yellows, golds, blacks, and reds of the Painted Hills are best seen in the late afternoon, but our visit was in the early morning when the shadows appeared almost alive.

Tones and hue may appear to change from one visit to another, as the claystones differ with ever-changing light and moisture levels. The shapes and colors of the hills are exquisite to a photographer’s eye. Rich in color and texture, the Painted Hills are an excellent example of the power of erosion.

We did not see any campgrounds in the area. We enjoyed one night lodging at the rustic Oregon Hotel in Mitchell which features the old world style of shared bathrooms. Our corner room on the first floor featured a in-suite bathroom serving two bedrooms, family style. If you don’t stay in anything less than Best Western elegance, you should plan on staying in John Day or Prineville, close to an hour drive to the Painted Hills from different directions. Check your map. There is also a motel in Mitchell.

We are frugal (cheap) travelers and as a wildscapes photographer, I like to get up before the sun and be at location for sunrise. Often, I don’t return to camp or lodging until after sunset. It’s the quality of light at those special times of a day. I eat and take a nap during the day when I’m not scouting out places for picture perfect composition.

See more of my images at Paddy's Flickr Site

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