The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a colorful wonderland that simultaneously feels like you have gone back in time 30 million years while also feeling like you’ve stepped into some far-off human future on Mars.
The area is comprised of three main units:
All of which you will be seeing during your 3-day road trip. You will see not only the three main attractions but also a few quirky stops along the way that will make this the perfect 3-day road trip.
A Map Of Your 3-Day Road Trip
Where To Stay at the John Day Fossil Beds
John Day is in many ways still the Wild Wild West and the accommodations in the area reflect that. If you are looking for a luxury getaway, John Day might not be for you. However, if you are looking for an adventure, buckle up!
During your 3-day road trip to The John Day National Monument, we recommend trying to find a place near Dayville or Mitchell OR to be the most conveniently located near the sites. However, if you are looking for something a little more upscale you might want to look for something in the John Day City area. Here are a few of our recommendations:
For Large Families
If you are looking for a place to stay for the whole family, consider The Sunset Cottage.
This cute vacation rental sleeps up to 15 people, has a private kitchen and bath, and is located in Mitchell. Another luxury for the area is high-speed WIFI in the cottage and a beautiful backyard/ garden space. – $220/ night.
Traditional Hotel Feel
If you are looking for an easy and traditional hotel experience, try the Best Western John Day Inn.
This is going to be your most traditional stay experience, with double or king-sized beds, wifi, a pool, and standard hotel amenities (including breakfast) – $150/night.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Camping/Glamping
Consider staying where we did at – Guyon Springs Guest Cabin/ Weekend Breakfast.
This cute cabin is fully off-grid and located conveniently in Dayville. We’d recommend only staying here if you have a 4-wheel drive car, but if you can manage the lack of service it is a stellar Airbnb with a beautiful view, friendly onsite animals, and great hosts – $90/night + free breakfast.
Bringing Your Furry Friends
The John Day National Moment, like many places in Oregon, is a very dog-friendly place. We decided to leave Sammy with friends for the weekend since he isn’t too big of a fan of long winding drives. But, if your furry friend loves drives then this is absolutely a pet-friendly trip.
Note: when doing the Blue Basin hikes, there are grates on bridges throughout that can be a little rough on your pup’s feet. Consider bringing some puppy shoes or being prepared to carry them over the rough grates.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1 – Friday – Sheep Rock Unit
7am – Hit The Road
Hit the road early today for the long drive from Portland out to the John Day Area [the area is accessible from all large cities in Oregon, but we are starting and ending this itinerary in Portlant]. The drive takes roughly 4 hours but budget closer to 5 to stop and take pictures of the beautiful scenery along the way.
12pm – Foree Picnic Area & Trails
You’ll arrive for your first stop in The Sheep Rock Unit around lunchtime. Have a picnic at this beautiful stop before completing the quick hike at this stop [The Flood Of Fire Trail (.4mil)]. There are also restrooms here for you before you keep driving.
1pm – Take Some Pictures At Cathedral Rock
1:30pm – The Blue Basin
Continue down the road another 10 minutes or so and you will hit The Blue Basin area. From the parking lot, this stop doesn’t look like much but don’t be dissuaded, it is worth the stop. You can pick between two hikes:
- The Island In Time Trail (1.5mil): This was the option we chose and it was amazing as it takes you right up close to the rocks and the stunning blue color. See our full review of the Island In Time Trail Here!
- Blue Basin Overlook (3.5mil): This more challenging hike is a stunning hike circle around the basin, climbs quite high, and gives you an amazing view of the basin and the John Day River Valley.
3pm – Cant Ranch & Thomas Condon Paleontology Center
After completing one or both of the Blue Basin trails (add an extra hour if you’d like to complete both), head down the road another 20 minutes or so and you will hit Cant Ranch on your left and The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center on the right. Take about an hour to stop at both of these informative locations.
Note: No doggies are allowed at these attractions
4:30pm – Take some pictures along The Picture Gorge
5pm – Head to your accommodation
From picture Gorge, it will be about 30 minutes to Dayville, 45 minutes to Mitchell, and 1 hour to John Day. Spending the evening settling in to your accommodation and get a goods night’s rest before tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 2 – Saturday – The Painted Hills
9am (optional) – Breakfast at Dayville Cafe
If you are staying in The John Day or Dayville area, stop for breakfast at The Dayville Cafe
10am – Stop at Mascall Overlook
11am – Painted Hills
Time to get back on the road and head for The Painted Hills, one of the top attractions in the area. You’ll drive 1-1.5 hours from Dayville and John Day and just a short 15-20 minutes from Mitchell. Here you will spend the day exploring the beautiful natural phenomenon that is The Painted Hills. Consider doing these four hikes while there:
- Painted Hills Overlook (.5 miles): This classic out and back trail is a quick way to get a beautiful view of the multicolored mounds known as the Painted Hills.
- Carroll Rim Trail (1.6 miles): This beautiful hike features panoramic views of The Painted Hills, Sutton Mountain, and the Canyons. It is a bit steep at 400 feet in elevation, however, it is a beautiful spot worth the effort.
- Painted Cove Trail (.25miles): This infamous trail features a beautiful hike through the hills along a wooden boardwalk.
- Red Hill Trail (.25miles): This multicolored knoll is stunning and gives you another close look at what makes the Painted Hills so magical.
Make sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat as has limited shade in the summertime.
2:30pm – Lunch at Tiger Town Pub Co.
From the painted hills visit the town of Mitchell and specifically The Tiger Town Pub, which features amazing food and drink to enjoy after your day of exploring the hills.
4pm (optional) – Head into John Day to explore the cute shops, local fare, and local attractions
Day 3 – Sunday – Clarno Unit & Ghost Towns
8am – Drive to the Clarno Unit
Hit the road again for another 1-1.5h drive out to The Clarno Unit. The smallest and farthest of the three units is definitely worth the drive and not to be missed!
The stunning Palisades of the Clarno Unit is jaw-dropping, with three quick hikes to give you amazing views of the area:
- Geologic Time Trail (¼ mile each way): This fun trail travels up to 200 feet in elevation and brings visitors directly under a natural arch cut into the cliff by erosion. Petrified logs are visible in the cliff face.
- Trail of Fossils (¼ mile loop): This is the only trail in the park where visitors can readily see fossils in the rocks. Large boulders strewn below the Palisades contain dozens of visible plant fossils from the near-tropical forest that blanketed the region 44 million years ago.
- Geologic Time Trail (¼ mile each way): This trail connects the picnic area and trailhead. Signs along the way note events of the last 50 million years. Each foot of trail represents 37,000 years.
12pm – Picnic outside the Clarno Unit
1:30pm – Shaniko Ghost Town
From The Clarno Unit, you’ll drive a quick 35-minute drive to the Shaniko Ghost Town. Here you can visit the 150-year-old business, old cars, and historic hotel. This is a super fun stop on your way back into town and feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
2:30pm – Head back To Portland
From here you have a 2h30m drive back to the Portland area to finish up your amazing 3-day weekend in John day.
Hope you have a blast at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument!