John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Oregon Postcard

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in central Oregon is a striking landscape where colorful rock formations meet one of the richest fossil records in North America. Spread across three separate units — Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno — the monument preserves more than 40 million years of evolutionary history. The exposed layers of volcanic ash and sediment reveal an extraordinary sequence of plant and animal fossils, from ancient rhinos and saber-toothed cats to subtropical forests that once thrived here. Each unit offers its own unique scenery: the Sheep Rock Unit houses the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where visitors can see fossils and learn about ongoing research; the Painted Hills Unit is famous for its vibrant red, gold, and black striped hills; and the Clarno Unit features towering rock cliffs and fossilized leaves from prehistoric jungles. Visiting the monument is as much about appreciating the present beauty as it is about exploring the past. Hiking trails lead through surreal badlands, colorful hills, and quiet valleys where wildlife such as pronghorn antelope, golden eagles, and coyotes can be seen. The park offers a rare combination of scientific significance and dramatic scenery, making it a favorite for both paleontology enthusiasts and photographers. With minimal development and wide-open skies, John Day Fossil Beds provides a sense of timelessness—inviting visitors to imagine the ancient worlds that once flourished here millions of years ago.