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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Image of Sheep Rock with a rainbow and clouds.
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

A visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is like taking a journey into ancient Oregon. Whether you tour the museum at Sheep Rock, hike a trail at the Painted Hills, or picnic at Clarno, Oregon's exciting past will be revealed.

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Paleontology at the Monument

Paleontological research is ongoing within the monument. Click here to learn more about JODA's paleontology program.


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Sheep Rock

Sheep Rock, towering 1,100 feet above the John Day River, gives its name to this unit of the monument. This unit also features the park visitor center.


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Clarno

West of the town of Fossil, the Clarno Palisades march across the horizon. These pillars of mud preserve the remains of brontotheres, creodonts, palm trees and bananas.


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Painted Hills

Rich in color and texture, the Painted Hills are an excellent example of the power of erosion.


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Write to

32651 Highway 19,
Kimberly, OR 97848

E-mail Us

Phone

General Information
(541) 987-2333

Painted Hills
(541) 462-3961

Fax

(541) 987-2336

Climate

The climate at the monument tends to be hot and dry in the summer months with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees F at times. Winters are cold, averaging 25 degrees F each day, with occasional snow and rain.
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Image of three toed horses.

Did You Know?
The first horses evolved in North America 50 million years ago, and at least 14 different genera have been found at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon.
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Last Updated: March 17, 2011 at 16:02 MST

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