A very unique National Monument in the nps. Broken up into many units, each has something special to offer. The drives to each site are very scenic as well. Have a preplanned route available as you will lose gps. Sites designated as monuments often are just as scenic and wonderful as National Parks with none of the accolades nor the crowds. If you have an extra day in Oregon, it is worth the visit.

We went to the Painted Hills unit. It was really beautiful and interesting. It is more or less in the middle of nowhere, but if you can fit it into your trip, it's a pretty amazing place. Way better than Artist's Palette in Death Valley. Don't recommend staying in Mitchell. Do recommend not visiting during the government shutdown.

Go!!! Worth the 2 hour drive. The trails are easy and you can do them all in a day. Only funny thing is it seemed there was only one entrance/exit but the area isn’t huge so backtracking was fine.

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is a truly five-star geological marvel that preserves the most complete and continuous record of Cenozoic (Age of Mammals) terrestrial life found anywhere on Earth, spanning an incredible 44 to 7 million years of history. This National Monument is dispersed across three unique units, and visiting them is an epic journey of science and scenery. The Painted Hills Unit is the most photogenic, featuring dramatic, stratified mounds of claystone in rust-reds (from oxidized iron), golden yellows, and blacks, best viewed at sunset or after rain when the colors are intensely saturated. Here, the easy, boardwalk-style Painted Cove Trail gets you up close, while the 1.6-mile Carroll Rim Trail provides the ultimate panoramic vista. The Sheep Rock Unit is the scientific core, home to the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, a must-see for its world-class fossil gallery and a working paleontology lab visible to the public, showcasing finds from ancient rhinos to saber-toothed cats. Hiking the 3.25-mile Blue Basin Overlook Trail lets you climb through the stunning blue-green claystone that holds many of these fossils. The Clarno Unit contains the oldest rocks, the towering Palisades—volcanic mudflows (lahars) that preserved remnants of a sub-tropical rainforest, with the Trail of Fossils being the only place you can visibly spot plant fossils (like magnolia leaves and nuts) embedded in the rock walls. Crucial Planning Note: The drive between these units is long (1-2 hours) and winding, and cell service is non-existent across most of the Monument, so download detailed maps and park information beforehand. No fee is required for entry, but carry plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are minimal outside of the Sheep Rock Visitor Center. This is an unparalleled stop for anyone interested in paleontology, geology, and spectacular remote landscapes.

Great place to visit. But the lack of info due to years of neglect is obvious! My kids enjoy reading that info at each viewpoint, but most of them have been removed or destroyed years ago and never been replaced. With all the tax payers money going into all these parks. What are they doing with our money and How lazy can they be?

Just a beautiful geographically phenomenon. Trails are mostly short and easy for hiking. Best experienced on a sunny day in the afternoon to see the colors.

Always a good hike. Visit the Blue Basin, easy walk 1.3 miles out and back. The overlook trail is out of service, that one is about 2.4 miles and quite an adventure. Visitor center is a must see, make sure you watch the video.

Very interesting, oldest Chinese mercantile in the country. Have to sign up for a tour to see the inside of the old store. It's free but folds up fast.

This place is a treasure. The information provided by the ranger was priceless. If you are interested in history, this is definitely worth the one hour presentation.

A very cool time capsule of Oregon's history about 2 great men who were Chinese immigrants. The family and I enjoyed the tour and would recommend checking it out if you have the time.

Cool bit of Oregon history to stop and check out. We were too late for the free tour but would definitely take it if we had made it in time. Worth the stop if your passing through John Day

Very nice experience. I thought the tooling marks on the Rattlesnake Tuff volcanic rocks were unique. The Ranger informed me of its probable cold chisel origin when flattening the stones for exterior use. Very strongly built structure.

My wife and I took some special needs clients here. It was totally worth the time to stop and learn about the past history of this place. If your in town sightseeing be sure to take the free guided tour while you still can someday this will be closed to the public and you'll only get to visit the interpretive center down the street.

Historic story of 2 Chinese men who facilitated the economic growth in John Day, Oregon. Guided tour by a knowledgeable park ranger.

great facility, very helpful staff and a lot of info in the lobby and things to look at, like fossils on display! a little confusing figuring out which building and door to go to at first, but we figured it out pretty quick. the signs indicated we weren't the first people making the mistake while attempting to get out firewood cutting permit.

The staff is always helpful if you have any questions and there are some really cool free maps of the area in the lobby

VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF AND FRIENDLY AND INFOMATIVE. GOOD PPLE TO TALK TO AND POSSIBLY SHADOW ESPECIALLY FOR A PERSON WHO IS LOOKIN INTO WORKING FOR THE FOREST SERVICE OR LOOKING TO GET INTO THAT FIELD FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE

Super friendly ladies there when I bought some maps. Nice little informative set up in the lobby.

Onsite as a technician installing a large-format printer, very nice location with very pleasant people.

Great place to get information, small gift shop.

Really nice people and very helpful.

I love stopping in to see what's been added. The people are fun to talk to and go out of the way to be helpful. Adds to my love of living in John Day.

Every once in a while I'll find some decent things but usually it doesnt have the type of used goods I'm looking for. It is ran with a good purpose but in terms of the items they have, its below average.

Passing through Oregon for work and came across this amazing little shop!! My daughter and I enjoy looking around and always find something along with GREAT customer service. :)

They are always getting new things in their variety selections. They're inventory is perfect for those small but practical things everyone needs.

I like the amount of things they have ...for such a small space. Great sales. Much needed store for a small community.

great thrift store, always new stuff, good prices, bag sales are the best! folks there are real nice.

Terrible prices and none of the clothes had been washed. A shirt they wanted 8 bucks for had food stains and smelled dirty.

Nice 9 hole course, greens are in great shape especially for November. Fairways in great shape and nine holes for $20 well worth playing. Great community golf course. The way golf should be, unpretentious just good golf conditions.

Great course..well maintained and reasonably priced

Excellent Course, that is exceptional shape. Great Greens and Fairways. If you're really quite, you'll see a Prehistoric Fish in the Pond on #3 Hole.

Really beautiful and challenging 9 hole course (be careful on the greens). Bar and folks there, employee especially (darn did not get her name) was one of the best I have encountered.

Great experience! Sitting on the patio with a perfect ice tea was the best way to end some excellent golfing. The personnel are wonderful!

Awesome! Staff is super cool. Beer is cold and Joe makes good hotdogs!

We love our local golf course. Friendly staff and great service. The course is beautiful!