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| Oregonxl » Tourist Attractions in Oregon » National Parks » John Day Fossil Beds National Monument |
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument |
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The world renowned John Day Fossil Beds National Monument was established in1975. This 14,000 acre park is divided into three units namely the Sheep Rock Unit, Painted Hills Unit, and Clarno Unit. The monument's main headquarters is situated at the visitor center in the Sheep Rock Unit. Within the heavily eroded volcanic deposits, John Day River basin is a well-preserved fossil record of plants and animals.
A visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, will take you to the ancient Oregon. Whether you tour the museum at the Sheep Rock unit, or go to the Painted Hills, or arrange for a picnic at Clarno, Oregon's exciting past will get revealed.
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In order to enjoy most out of your visit to the Fossil Beds, allowing at least one hour for touring the new museum at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, located at the Sheep Rock Unit of the monument,will be a good idea.
- Sheep Rock
Sheep Rock is located 1,100 feet above the John Day river. At the Sheep Rock Unit there are several hiking trails and wayside exhibits, two picnic areas. Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, and the Cant Ranch Historical Museum is also located here.
- Clarno Unit
The Clarno Unit about1,969 acres in size features hiking trails,exhibits, and a picnic area.
- The Painted Hills
The Painted Hills are visited all year-round. Outdoor exhibits and a picnic area are also available for visitors here. The peak of wildflower season from late April to early May is a spectacular sight.
- Location
The Visitor Center at the Sheep Rock Unit is situated on Highway 19 between the towns of Dayville and Kimberly, 2 miles far from the junction of Highway 26 and Highway 19.
The Painted Hills Unit is located 9 miles northwest of of the town of Mitchell, just off Highway 26. There is no visitor center here.
The Clarno Unit is located 20 miles to the west of the town of Fossil. along Highway 218. There is no visitor center here either.
- Timing
The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, located at the Sheep Rock Unit, is open daily, from 8:30AM-4:30PM throughout the year.
In the summer months, from Memorial Day till Labor day hours are extend from 8:30-5:00. The museum remains closed on all Federal holidays between Thanksgiving and President's Day.
- Entrance Charge
Entry to the park and the park visitor centers is free of charge.
For more information on the tourist attraction in Oregon visit the other links of Oregonxl.com
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