By Mariah Cannon
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is made up of three main units; Painted Hills, Sheep Rock, and Clarno. All three have some incredible landscapes and unique pieces to see.
As someone who has lived in Oregon my whole life and never visited the John Day Fossil Beds unitl much later in life, I realize it’s not uncommon for people to never have explored everything that is literally in our backyard. So, in this mini guide, I’m going to take you on a journey through time!
Without further ado, part three of my three part series of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, we’re visiting the Clarno Unit. This unit is by far the smallest as far as being able to hike around and explore, but it’s definitely mighty! Looks very close to Leslie Gulch which is down in South East Oregon.
In the Clarno unit, you’ll find some hiking trails and incredible rock formations.
About the Unit
The Clarno Unit, unlike the Painted Hills and Sheep Rock, has palisade rock formations. Which is essentially volcanic mudflows or lahars. This area was believed to be super forest like, with loads of animal and plant life that they’re still discovering. In some of the palisades you can find fossils and there will be signs telling you when to look out for them!
Where is the Clarno Unit?
The Clarno unit lies just North East of Bend, Oregon not far from a tiny historic town called Antelope. Also about 18 miles West of Fossil if you’re coming in from the Eastern side of the state.
Entrance
Along with all of the other John Day Fossil Beds National Monument units, this is free to enter and explore! I do however keep my America The Beautiful Pass with me to simply to make sure all is good.
Best Time to Visit
Similar to the other units in this monument, the best time to visit is Spring or Fall, mainly because the temperatures are bearable and there will be less visitors. I would recommend visiting anytime between Mid September-Mid October.
If you’re a photographer, the most ideal times to visit are early morning or right around sunset time to avoid extreme heat and crowds. This area doesn’t get many visitors as it is, but showing up around those times will help you have the area to yourself. The later morning-early afternoon is the busiest time of day for this monument. Along with weekend days, during the week it is common to be completely alone out here!
Hiking in the Monument
- The Geological Time Trail is the main trail that also leads you to the other ones. It’s only about .3 of a mile and is relatively flat.
- About half way through the Geological Time Trail, you’ll find a trail that loops around to the right, the Trail of Fossils. It is also about .25 and puts you right back onto the main trail. This is the trail where you’ll see leaf fossils throughout the rocks.
- Once you’re back on the main trail, you’ll start the 200 foot incline on the Arch Trail, which leads you to insane views of the surrounding rolling hills, the palisades, and a tall, but small arch. It is super neat, it kind of feels like a very mini Arches National Park right here in Oregon!
Other Things to do Near the Monument
I highly recommend visiting the small town about 20 minutes West of the monument, Shaniko. It’s a very old Ghost Town that used to be called Cross Hollow. Over the last couple of years, they’ve been fixing it up and adding cute little attractions and shops. If you’re visiting during the summer, they have some wonderful ice cream right off the main street at the Seven Directions Café.
Enjoy this mini guide? Be sure to save it for future travels!
Let’s Get Adventuring!
Mariah
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