John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument · OR · nps.gov page

The Painted Hills on a stormy winter day.Photo: NPS Photo / Scott Ritner

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.

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News

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Reopens After Fires 2026-08-06
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument has reopened all three units of the park after multiple wildfires.
Great American Outdoors Act Funding Restores Historic Cant Ranch Barn and Shearing Shed 2026-06-11
The legacy of early European settlers to the John Day Basin is being safeguarded. Supported by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund signed by President Donald J. Trump in 2020, the roofs of the historic Cant barn and shearing shed were restored.

Photos

The Clarno Palisades are remains of ancient volcanic mudslides.Photo: NPS Photo

Paleontologist at work — The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center is both a visitor center and research center.Photo: NPS Photo

White house surrounded by green with concrete path leading to the front — Cant Ranch housePhoto: NPS photo

Tall sandy cliff face overlooking a small, shallow river — Cathedral Rock overlooking the John RiverPhoto: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.