Painted Hills Unit
Overview
The Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is named for the colors found in the hills from various geological eras. Located roughly 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, Oregon, it is one of the three units that form the national monument.
Local Info
There are several short trails in the unit that allow you to get close to the hills. Due to the fragile nature of the clay hills, walking on the hills is prohibited in order to preserve them for others to enjoy. The Red Hill Trail, Painted Cove Trail, Leaf Fossil Trail, and Painted Overlook Trail are all roughly about 1/4 mile long and allow you to get closer to the hills. The Carroll Rim Trail is the longest hike in the unit, and climbs to the top of Carroll Rim where 360-degree views of the monument and surrounding areas await.
Visiting Tips
The seasons can change the look of the monument (wildflowers in the spring and snow in the winter), making it a great place to visit year round.
Gems in Painted Hills Unit - 1
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Painted Hills Unit Hiking
- 2 Miles 3 Kilometers of Trail
- 0 Recommended Routes
- 1 Gem
- 4
Easy Trails
- 1
Intermediate Trail
- 0
Difficult Trails
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Trails in Painted Hills Unit - 5
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#1Painted Hills Overlook
Fossil, OR
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Fossil, OR |
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#2Painted Cove Trail
Fossil, OR
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Fossil, OR |
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#3Red Hill Trail (Red Scar Knoll Trail)
Fossil, OR
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Fossil, OR |
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#4Carroll Rim Trail
Fossil, OR
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Fossil, OR |
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#5Leaf Hill Trail
Fossil, OR
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Fossil, OR |
1
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Photos of Painted Hills Unit - 45
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