John Day Fossil Beds National Monument |
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32651 Hwy 19 Kimberly, OR 97848(541) 987-2333 |
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Consisting of three separate major units in Eastern Oregon, each site of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has held fossils that come from the Cenozoic Era which began 65.5 million years ago. The largest of the sites in the monument is the Sheep Rock Unit; it contains the park's visitor center and interpretive center, boasting many interesting fossils and exhibits related to the area's past, both historic and prehistoric. Many miles of hiking trails in each site let visitors explore the natural beauty of each distinct area, and fishing is allowed along the John Day River as it winds throughout the park and surrounding area. Named the Clarno, Painted Hills and Sheep Rock units, the sites of the fossil beds range from 20 miles west of Fossil to 16 miles south of Kimberly.
Open daily year round. Paleontology center open daily Nov - Feb: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Mar - Memorial Day & Labor Day - Oct: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Memorial Day - Labor Day: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Free.
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