Oregon's National Monuments
Hidden in Plain Sight
Oregonians know our state is full of gorgeous scenery - no matter where you travel, there’s always something special to see. We have it all: high deserts stretched under big skies; rugged, snowcapped mountains cradling delicate alpine lakes; magnificent beaches watched over by sea stacks and lighthouses; as well as lush forests ripe with unique vegetation and thriving with wildlife.
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A) John Day Fossil Beds, B) Newberry National Volcanic Monument, C) The Oregon Caves, D) Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
But even here among this special setting are places recognized for their rare combination of geologic value, historical significance and uncommon confluence of animal and plant species.
These are Oregon’s four national monuments.
John Day Fossil Beds
Managed by the National Park Service
Golden Bee plants bloom at the base of a formation at the Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
LAYERS IN TIME
The Painted Hills are among the monument's most distinctive geological features.
Visiting the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is almost like taking a time machine into the distant past. The three units of the monument hold one of the richest fossil beds on Earth, recording an ancient era known as the Age of Mammals. Fossils found inside the monument helped define the evolution of many species, including horses, cats (felines) and dogs (canines) among others.
Cathedral Rock near the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
As you stand back and examine the colored layers and formations of rock, imagine the vast volcanic debris and mudflows that pushed through the landscape. Remind yourself this was once a subtropical paradise full of lush plants and a wide variety of animals, much like Costa Rica or Veracruz, Mexico today. Underneath these rolling and rugged hills of Eastern Oregon, evidence of ancient history lies within.
Oregon State Capitol in Salem to Painted Hills Unit in Wheeler County, 197 miles
The incredible scenery and connections to ancient times are just some of the reasons to visit this special place. Take a moment to talk with the scientists and rangers who work at the monument. Their expertise and knowledge can add a whole new layer of wonder to your experience.
Nick Famoso is the Chief of Paleontology and Museum Curator at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Nick is originally from southern Oregon and his interest in paleontology was sparked at age six when visiting the monument. He spent his summers as a youth attending science camps at the Hancock Field Station in the Clarno unit of the monument, and worked there for six summers.
Watch Nick Famoso explain why John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is one of Oregon's most special places.
Unlike other monuments, the John Day Fossil Beds are split apart over some distance. Hover your cursor over the colored areas to see the location of each unit.
The monument holds three distinct units: Clarno, Sheep Rock and Painted Hills. Each of these units tells a piece of the story of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. They display changes in landscape, ecosystems, and climate that took place during this fascinating time in the Earth’s geologic history.
Sheep Rock Unit
Clarno Unit
When visiting the Clarno Unit, the first thing you might notice is the quiet. Clarno sees fewer visitors, which means those who enjoy solace while among ancient rocks have a place to call their own.
Ranger Miranda Allen stands at the base of the Palisades rock formations, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Painted Hills Unit
Storm clouds roll above the overlook at the Painted Hills Unit, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
The Painted Hills Unit is the spectacular crown jewel of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Its otherworldly, undulating folds of scarlet, yellow and olive open as you come around the bend along the gravel road that leads to the parking area. In the golden light of late afternoon, the sunset colors of the hills intensify.
Miranda Allen is a ranger at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Part of Miranda's job is to explain the story of the monument, and why it's so unique.
Watch as Miranda Allen explains the unique and beautiful features of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Managed by the U.S. Forest Service
The Lava Butte Fire Lookout offers an expansive view of Newberry National Volcanic Monument
THE SLEEPING GIANT
Oregon’s Newberry Volcano is almost the definition of something “hidden in plain sight”. It’s not a traditional cone-style volcano, but instead is flatter and more expansive. Visitors to this national monument have the chance to explore Central Oregon’s fiery past. It began 500,000 years ago (practically yesterday in geologic terms) with a massive lava flow that spanned hundreds of miles; producing lava tubes, cinder cones, and volcanic vents during its active periods.
Newberry's Lava Butte cinder cone rises 500 feet over Highway 97, just south of Bend.
Newberry is the largest volcano in the Cascades, covering 1,200 square miles or an area about the size of Rhode Island. It’s also much different from other Cascade volcanoes like South Sister near Bend or Mt. Rainier in Washington. Newberry is a “composite” volcano, formed by diverse types of eruptions.
Oregon State Capitol in Salem to Lava Lands Visitor Center in Deschutes County, 142 miles
Newberry is shaped more like a shield than the familiar cone shapes seen in other places. A volcanic depression, or caldera, was created about 75,000 years ago as a result of a major explosion and collapse. The last eruption at Newberry was about 1,300 years ago. Present-day hot springs and relatively young lava flows have scientists keeping a close watch on the area, as it could erupt again at any time.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument Manager Scott McBride loves Oregon, especially Oregon's rivers.
Do you like volcanoes? Watch Newberry National Volcanic Monument Manager Scott McBride explain why Newberry is not to be missed.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument lies due south of Bend in Deschutes County
Around the monument, waterfalls, peaks, lakes and more than 110 miles of trails are waiting to be explored. The monument offers lots of recreation options for visitors, including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating and wildlife viewing. Camping facilities, lodging and dining are also available inside the monument.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
Managed by the National Park Service
The Ghost Room at Oregon Caves National Monument.
OREGON'S MARBLE HALLS
When visiting Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, visitors might find themselves asking, “What’s a speleothem?” and “Why does phenology matter?” That’s because this 4,600-acre area leans hard on science, featuring complicated marble cave systems and a rare combination of plant and animal species.
What lures most visitors to Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve? A chance to explore a mountain inside and out. Wind along a ranger-guided tour of smooth flowstones, stalactites, stalagmites and yes, speleothems inside the caves. Then wander your way through groves of ancient trees and meadows of flowering plants. Besides getting to know the cave, get to know the ranger who guides your tour. You’ll find yourself learning not just about the rock formations, but about a person who has dedicated themselves to understanding this very special place.
Oregon State Capitol in Salem to Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve in Josephine County, 245 miles
Oregonian George Herring is Chief of Interpretation at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
Listen to George Herring describe the wonderful adventures to be had at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is high in the mountains on 4,554 acres of gorgeous forests, with winding streams and an exceptional marble cave.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Clouds float above Table Mountain, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
OREGON'S ECOLOGICAL WONDERLAND
The rock's high saddle is visible for miles around, and lies just off Interstate 5, south of Ashland.
Many national monuments and parks have an iconic spot, that instantly recognizable view that indicates the location. For Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, that spot is Pilot Rock.
Oregon State Capitol in Salem to Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Jackson County, 260 miles
Pilot Rock at sunset.
The Takelma people called it “Tan-ts’at-seniptha,” meaning “Stone Standing Up.” It rises 570 feet up and is visible from parts of the Rogue Valley, and much of Shasta Valley in northern California. Pilot Rock is just one of the unique and varied features of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Assistant Supervisor Joel Brumm loves the biodiversity and natural beauty of Oregon.
Watch as Joel Brumm explains why Cascade-Siskiyou could turn out to be your next great adventure.
The federal government expanded Cascade-Siskiyou's original 66,000 acres (in blue) in 2017 to include an additional 48,000 acres (in purple).
Each of Oregon’s four national monuments contribute to Oregon’s story in their own unique way. They offer opportunities for learning, exploration and recreation in rare, beautiful settings tied to our state’s fascinating geologic and tribal history.
These ancient, fragile landscapes are part of our shared heritage as Oregonians. We hope this digital story inspires you to get out there and explore our national monuments.
To learn more about the monuments, visit their websites: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Newberry National Volcanic Monument Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument