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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Image of fossil leaves preserved in shale
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Weather
Sheep Rock Rainbow

NPS Photo

Rain showers paint the colorful landscape of the John Day Fossil Beds with rainbows and green waterfalls.

Weather conditions at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are highly variable in this semi-arid desert landscape. Summer highs can climb into the 100's, requiring hardy visitors to come prepared with long sleeves, hats with brims and a good supply of water. Winters tend to be fairly mild, with occassional snow and ice and lows regularly dipping into the single digits.

But sunshine prevails for much of the year, and hiking our trails is a rewarding experience at any time. And if you're lucky enough to be hiking through some of our more otherworldly landscapes (like the Blue Basin) during a rainstorm you will be treated to a glimpse of green waterfalls cascading across the claystone rocks.

For current weather conditions at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, view our Sheep Rock Webcam below or click here for the current forcast.

 

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Park ranger in the field

Did You Know?
Paleobotanical field work helps scientists at the John Day Fossil Beds learn about ancient climates.

Last Updated: November 17, 2011 at 17:27 MST