John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Sheep Rock, with the John Day River in the foreground
Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil they discover.
Map showing location of park.
Park 50th Anniversary poster with green border and scene of prehistoric animals and forest. Text includes, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, 50th Anniversary, 1975-2025
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument to host 50th anniversary events
The public is invited to participate in a series of special programs the weekend of June 20-21, 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
A beige rock with cat-like pawprints in it.
Ancient Footprints Unearthed at John Day Fossil Beds Reveal Prehistoric Animal Behaviors
A groundbreaking paleontological discovery at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has uncovered fossilized footprints dating back as far as 50 million years, offering unprecedented insight into the behaviors of prehistoric animals in what is now central and eastern Oregon.
Sheep Rock
Photo by NPS Photo / Sue Anderson
Painted Hills
Photo by NPS Photo / Scott Ritner
Clarno
Photo by NPS Photo
Paleontologist at work
Photo by NPS Photo
White house surrounded by green with concrete path leading to the front
Photo by NPS photo