Warm Up To The Painted Hills
If there’s one thing we Oregonians can’t get enough of, it’s the countless hidden treasures tucked right between our valley peaks and sea-sprayed coasts. A standout gem? The spectacular Painted Hills, part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Getting There and Timing Your Visit
A good old fashion road trip will land you at this natural spectacle. From Portland, head southeast, towards Bend, then onwards to Mitchell. It’s about a four-hour journey through scenic routes that beg for window-side daydreaming.
The Painted Hills are open year-round but spring’s mild weather and the backdrop of wildflowers deserve a special mention. Fall offers a different, yet equally mesmerizing landscape, with the earthy colors of the landscape becoming more pronounced under the gentle autumn sunlight. Winter, while quiet, can present some access challenges with occasional snow or ice on the roads.
Embracing The Natural Grandeur
Explore the Carroll Rim Trail for a panoramic view of the Painted Hills. It’s just over a mile hike and the spectacular midday view from the top is worth every step. For a closer look at the unique colors and textures, the Painted Cove trail offers boardwalk access right into the heart of the hills. Don’t forget to bring your camera, you’d want to capture every moment!
One Needs Fuel for Adventure
Refuel in the town of Mitchell, just minutes away from the Painted Hills. Like many small towns in Oregon, it packs in lots of personality. Stop by the Little Pine Café for a hearty meal that’ll truly satisfy your hunger after a day of exploration.
Few Reminders for the Road
Locals fondly see the Painted Hills as an emblem of our state’s best-kept secrets, and we keep them beautiful by adhering to the mantra: leave no trace. We tread lightly here, sticking to the trail and keeping pets leashed. Disrupting the Hills can damage their brilliance, so we capture our memories in photographs and carefully keep our hands and feet off these natural works of art.
Also, being a high desert area, don’t be fooled by the cooler prevailing winds. Sunscreen is always a good idea when hiking the Painted Hills – the Oregon sun can sneak up on you!
Finish Your Day in the Soothing Springs
After the hike, unwind in the rustic luxury of Crystal Crane Hot Springs, an hour’s drive away. When evening comes, you’ll appreciate the star-studded sky so clear, it’s like Mother Nature’s own drive-in theatre!
Final Word of Advice
Visiting the Painted Hills isn’t just about checking off another item from the bucket list. It’s about immersing yourself in a place that feels more like a well-crafted painting than a corner of the real world. It’s where Oregon’s omnipresent magic is impossible to overlook.
Take it slow. Let the perspective shift with every step, watch as the hills shimmer and cloud shadows roam across them, making the landscape feel as if it’s alive, like it’s breathing. Reflect on the aeons it took for this place to shape itself, presenting a portrait of time painted with nature’s own palette.
Enjoy the journey, make memories, and treat every moment as a treasure; you’re stepping into one of Oregon’s prized status symbols and a testament to our state’s silent, contiguous beauty. And remember, there’s so much more Oregon left for you to explore. Welcome to our beautiful state!