Have you ever heard of a place where the landscape changes colors throughout the day, where hills tell stories of millions of years of Earth’s history, and where you can walk among the fossils of an ancient forest? John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, USA, is such a magical destination. This place is not only a geological wonder with unique beauty but also a priceless natural museum, preserving secrets about life on our planet from millions of years ago. Let’s explore with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” a detailed guide to help you have a complete and memorable visit to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Introduction to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a hidden treasure nestled in the high desert plateau of central Oregon, east of the Cascade Mountains. Contrary to the typical image of Oregon with lush green forests and rugged coastlines, John Day Fossil Beds offers a completely different landscape, arid yet colorful and incredibly impressive. This place is likened to an “extraterrestrial land” with hills and cliffs of many colors, formed from layers of volcanic sediment over millions of years.
However, the outward beauty is only a small part of its appeal. John Day Fossil Beds is truly a “fossil forest” in the truest sense, one of the most continuous and complete records of fossil plants and animals on land in the world. Scientists have found thousands of fossils here, from plants to animals dating back 50 million years, from the Eocene to the Miocene epochs. These fossils not only help us better understand the evolutionary history of life but also reveal climate and environmental changes on Earth over millions of years.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is not a contiguous area but consists of three separate units, each with its own unique beauty and geological, fossil characteristics:
- Painted Hills: Famous for its vividly colored hills that resemble a painting, created by layers of volcanic sediment with different colors due to the presence of various minerals.
- Clarno Unit: Impressive with the towering basalt cliffs of Clarno Palisades, remnants of an ancient volcano, where many plant and animal fossils from the subtropical forest period have been found.
- Sheep Rock Unit: The administrative and main visitor center of the monument, home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, which displays many valuable fossils and scientific information. This unit is also famous for the Blue Basin and Sheep Rock landscapes.
Visiting John Day Fossil Beds is not just a sightseeing trip but also a journey to explore Earth’s history, an educational and inspiring experience for all ages.
Exploring the Three Main Areas of John Day Fossil Beds
Painted Hills
Painted Hills is perhaps the most iconic and famous image of John Day Fossil Beds. True to its name, the hills here appear like a painting drawn by mother nature, with alternating bands of red, yellow, orange, black, and brown, creating an extremely unique and impressive landscape.
These color bands are the result of millions of years of volcanic sedimentation. Ash and minerals from ancient volcanic eruptions settled over time, forming layers of claystone and mudstone. Different minerals, especially iron and manganese, create different colors. For example, red and pink are usually caused by iron oxide (rust), while yellow is due to limonite (a hydrated iron oxide mineral).
The beauty of Painted Hills lies not only in its colors but also in its constant change. The colors of the hills can change with the time of day, the season, and the moisture content of the soil. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see Painted Hills when the soft sunlight highlights the color shades. After rain, the colors of the hills become even more vibrant.
Main attractions and trails in Painted Hills:
- Painted Hills Overlook Trail: An easy trail, about 0.8 km loop, with minimal elevation change. This is the best panoramic viewpoint of Painted Hills, allowing you to fully admire the multicolored beauty of the hills.
- Carroll Rim Trail: A longer trail, about 2.5 km round trip, leading to the top of Carroll Rim, a higher ridge, offering a more comprehensive view of Painted Hills and the surrounding area.
- Painted Cove Trail: The shortest trail, about 0.4 km loop, walking on a boardwalk through a small depression between the hills, allowing you to observe the colored soil layers and desert vegetation up close.
Tips for visiting Painted Hills:
- Visiting time: It is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and to avoid the heat.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Water: Bring enough water, especially in the summer, as the area is very dry and has little shade.
- Respect the environment: Stay on designated trails, do not climb on the hills or take anything out of the area.
Painted Hills Overlook Trail
Clarno Unit
Clarno Unit offers a different visiting experience compared to Painted Hills. This place is famous for the towering basalt cliffs of Clarno Palisades, remnants of a volcano that ceased activity millions of years ago. These cliffs are not only visually impressive but also house many valuable plant and animal fossils from the Eocene epoch, about 44 million years ago.
During the Eocene epoch, the Clarno area had a warm and humid climate, covered by a dense subtropical forest. Volcanic eruptions buried this forest under layers of ash and volcanic mud, creating ideal conditions for fossilization. Scientists have found fossils of over 170 different plant species at Clarno, including leaves, fruits, seeds, and petrified wood, as well as fossils of animals such as small rhinos, early horses, and crocodiles.
Main attractions and trails in Clarno Unit:
- Trail of the Fossils: A short, easy trail, about 0.4 km loop, leading to an on-site fossil display area. You can observe plant and animal fossils preserved in the rock, including giant petrified tree trunks.
- Clarno Arch Trail: A longer trail, about 1 km round trip, leading to a natural stone arch formed from basalt rock, with beautiful views of Clarno Palisades and the surrounding area.
Tips for visiting Clarno Unit:
- Explore fossils: Take time to carefully observe the fossils along the Trail of the Fossils. Imagine yourself walking through an ancient forest that disappeared millions of years ago.
- Hiking: If you are in good health, try longer hikes to explore more of the landscape around Clarno Palisades.
- Weather: Clarno Unit can be hot and dry in the summer, so bring enough water and prepare appropriate clothing.
Clarno Palisades
Sheep Rock Unit
Sheep Rock Unit is the administrative and main visitor center of John Day Fossil Beds. This area concentrates many important attractions, including the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, Blue Basin, and Sheep Rock. Sheep Rock Unit offers a combination of stunning natural landscapes, valuable scientific information, and historical buildings.
Main attractions in Sheep Rock Unit:
- Thomas Condon Paleontology Center: An unmissable first stop when visiting Sheep Rock Unit. The center displays an impressive collection of fossils found at John Day Fossil Beds, from plant fossils, insects to ancient mammal bones. The exhibits are modern and engaging, providing detailed information about the geological and paleontological history of the area. You can learn about the fossilization process, the evolution of species, and the environmental changes that have occurred over millions of years.
- Blue Basin Overlook Trail: A short, easy trail leading to a high observation deck where you can admire the panoramic view of Blue Basin. Blue Basin is a unique geological basin with light blue cliffs, formed by volcanic ash rich in celadonite mineral. This blue color contrasts sharply with the yellow and brown of other sediment layers, creating an extremely special landscape.
- Island in Time Trail: A trail that descends into the Blue Basin, allowing you to explore the geological layers up close and look for fossils (observation only, collecting is prohibited). This trail gives you the feeling of stepping into another world, a time “island” isolated from the modern world.
- Historic Cant Ranch: An area preserving a historic ranch dating back to the late 19th century, including houses, barns, and outbuildings. Cant Ranch is a testament to the history of land reclamation and agricultural development in this area. You can visit the old buildings and learn about the lives of the first settlers here.
Tips for visiting Sheep Rock Unit:
- Start at the Paleontology Center: Visit the Thomas Condon Center first to get an overview of John Day Fossil Beds and plan your visits to other sites.
- Explore Blue Basin: Spend time hiking the Blue Basin Overlook Trail and Island in Time Trail to admire the unique beauty of this basin.
- Learn about history: Visit the Historic Cant Ranch to learn more about the cultural and historical aspects of the area.
Blue Basin Overlook
Tips for Visiting John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit John Day Fossil Beds are in spring (April – May) and fall (September – October). In spring, the weather is mild and pleasant, vegetation begins to green, and wildflowers bloom, creating a beautiful landscape. Autumn also has cool, pleasant weather, and fall colors can enhance the beauty of Painted Hills.
Summer (June – August) can be very hot and dry, especially in the middle of the day. If you visit in the summer, prepare plenty of water, sunscreen, and avoid hiking during the hottest hours. Winter (November – March) can be cold and snowy, especially at higher elevations. Some trails may be closed due to snow.
Getting to John Day Fossil Beds
John Day Fossil Beds is located in central Oregon, far from major cities. The best way to get here is by car.
- From Portland: About 4-5 hours drive east.
- From Bend: About 2-3 hours drive northeast.
- From Boise, Idaho: About 4-5 hours drive west.
The nearest airport is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) in Redmond, Oregon, about a 2-hour drive from Sheep Rock Unit. You can rent a car at Redmond Airport or other major cities.
When traveling within the monument, car is the primary mode of transportation. The Painted Hills, Clarno, and Sheep Rock units are quite far apart, about 1-2 hours drive. Roads in the area are mostly paved and well-maintained gravel roads, but you should check road conditions before traveling, especially in winter.
Where to Stay
There is no lodging inside John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The closest lodging options are in the small towns around:
- Mitchell: A small town near Painted Hills, with some motels and cafes.
- Dayville: A town near Sheep Rock Unit, with some motels, restaurants, and a grocery store.
- John Day: The largest town in the area, about a 30-minute drive from Sheep Rock Unit, with more hotel, restaurant, and service options.
You should book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season. If you prefer camping, there are several private and public campgrounds in the area, but no campgrounds inside the national monument.
What to Prepare for Your Trip
- Water: Extremely important, especially in summer. Bring enough water for the whole day.
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses: Protect your skin and eyes from the harsh sun.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Choose hiking boots or athletic shoes with good traction for walking on trails.
- Appropriate clothing: Wear cool, breathable clothing in summer and warm clothing in winter. Bring a light jacket as the weather can change.
- Map and guide: Get a map and guide information at the visitor center or download from the National Park Service (NPS) website.
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera to capture beautiful moments at John Day Fossil Beds.
- Binoculars: If you want to observe wildlife or geological details from a distance.
- Snacks: Bring snacks to eat along the way, especially when hiking.
Scientific and Historical Value of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a scientifically important site. The area is highly valued by scientists for its abundance and diversity of fossils, as well as its ability to provide information about Earth’s history and life on our planet.
Fossils at John Day Fossil Beds include:
- Plant fossils: Leaves, fruits, seeds, petrified wood of hundreds of different plant species, from conifers, ferns to large trees. These fossils help scientists reconstruct ancient forests that once existed in this area and better understand plant evolution.
- Invertebrate fossils: Insects, snails, clams, and other invertebrates.
- Vertebrate fossils: Bones, teeth, footprints of many ancient mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, including extinct species such as saber-toothed cats, hornless rhinos, three-toed horses, and many early primates.
These fossils date from the Eocene epoch (about 50 million years ago) to the Miocene epoch (about 5 million years ago), spanning an important period of geological history. They provide evidence of climate change from warm, humid to drier conditions, the evolution of plant and animal species, and landscape changes over time.
Scientists are still continuing research and discovery at John Day Fossil Beds, and new findings are made every year. The area is protected and managed by the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure that fossils and natural landscapes are preserved for future generations.
Conclusion
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a unique and worthwhile travel destination in Oregon. This place not only boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the vividly colored Painted Hills to the majestic Clarno Palisades and the strange Blue Basin, but is also a priceless natural “fossil museum,” preserving secrets about Earth’s history and life.
Whether you are a nature lover, an amateur scientist, or simply looking for a different travel experience, John Day Fossil Beds will surely not disappoint you. Plan your trip today and discover the magical beauty of this fossil forest!