Disclaimer: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is rich in geological history and is a sensitive area. Ensure your dogs stay on the trails to avoid damage to the area. I always have a camera on one hand and leashes on the other to ensure that my dog’s are leashed after a photo session.
If you are feeling ambitious, there is an easy and stunning dog-friendly road trip calling your name. This road trip takes you to multiple locations around the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
The hikes in this region range from easy to moderate. So they are perfect for all skill levels to enjoy the beauty and geological history of the national monument.
I recommend starting as early as possible. Early hiking means you can truly enjoy each area with your pup without worrying about excessive heat or dehydration.
Start your John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Tour at Clarno Palisades
I recommend starting your adventure by visiting the Clarno Palisades first, which is located approximately 2 hours from Bend.
Within the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, The Clarno Palisades is the least trafficked area. And if you are lucky enough, you might have it all to yourself like I did! It’s worth a visit.
The Clarno Palisades unit offers 3 short and connected hikes. These total around 1.2 miles.
Park at the picnic area and start with the Geological Time Trail. This trail features interpretive signs that describes the geological history of the area.
From there, you will reach the Trail of Fossils loop. On this trail, you can easily spot plant fossils from 44 million years ago on the boulders along the trail.
Finally, the Clarno Arch Trail will involve a 200ft elevation climb that ends under a natural arch cut into the cliffs.
Next, head over to the Blue Basin
The next spot on the road trip is Blue Basin, which is compromised of 2 hiking trails of varied difficulty. The Blue Basin Overlook Trail is a moderate 3.25-mile loop that takes you around the entire basin with a 760ft elevation gain.
This is my favorite hike to do in the region as it is the most challenging with an incredible view at the top.
I typically like to start this trail clockwise so that I end at the next trail, Island in Time Trail, which is an easy 1.2 mile hike.
The Time Trail takes you through the basin where you can see many fossils along the way. At the end of this trail, you will be completely surrounded by incredible blue-grey rock pinnacles that will make you feel like you are in another world!
End at The Painted Hills
The last spot to visit at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is the Painted Hills, which is the most visited of the three areas and considered one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.
When you see the Painted Hills with your eyes, you’ll definitely understand why it’s considered a wonder. The Painted Hills offers 5 hikes ranging from 0.25 to 1.3 miles.
The most popular trails are the Painted Hills Overlook Trail (0.5 miles) and the Painted Cove Trail (0.25 miles). However, if you are in the area, I recommend completing all 5 trails to get the full experience at the Painted Hills. Luna and Ozzie loved this little roadtrip that ended in a beautiful adventure!
Disclaimer: The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is rich in geological history and is a sensitive area. Ensure your dogs stay on the trails to avoid damage to the area. I always have a camera on one hand and leashes on the other to ensure that my dog’s are leashed after a photo session.
Author: Karla Garcia
Karla received her BS in Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Oregon State University in 2014 and has since worked at various sanctuaries around the world where she has worked with big cats, elephants, bears, raptors, farm animals, chimps, and everything in between. Currently, she is a chimpanzee caregiver at Freedom for Great Apes, a small chimpanzee sanctuary located right outside of Bend. Her love of the great outdoors and chimpanzees made Bend, Oregon the perfect place to call home. On her free time, she goes on weekly adventures around Central Oregon with Luna and photographs their journey together.
WHY ARE ALL THE DOGS IN THE PICTURES OFF LEASH?????
What a poor piece of advertising. What a poor example.
This pieces should be pulled and re-shot with proper examples.
I’ve read that the metal bridges at Blue Basin might be a problem with for dogs, because of the metal grating. What was your experience with your pups?