John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Fossil park in east-central Oregon, United States
The monument encompasses three distinct units named Sheep Rock, Painted Hills, and Clarno, spread across 14,062 acres of semi-desert landscape.
The national monument earned federal protection in 1975 following decades of fossil discoveries that began with Thomas Condon's investigations in 1864.
The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center exhibits numerous plant and animal fossils while educating visitors about the ancient ecosystems of Oregon.
Visitors can explore all three units without entrance fees, although driving between locations requires significant time due to winding roads.
The layered rock formations contain preserved fossils spanning 40 million years, from tropical forests to grasslands, documenting major climate changes.
Location: Oregon
Inception: 1975
Operator: United States National Park Service
Phone: +15419872333
Website: https://nps.gov/joda
GPS coordinates: 44.55580,-119.64500
Latest update: May 27, 2025 07:11
Oregon features natural hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes. The state contains geological formations, historic lighthouses, and coastal sections. The region presents desert areas, lakes, mountains, and canyons with various hiking trails.
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