The John Day Fossil Beds are home to a variety of colorful rock formations, preserving a world-class record number of animal and plant evolution, past ecosystems, and changes in climate that span across more than forty million years. A working lab and exhibits at the park’s Thomas Condon Paleontology and Visitor Center, along with the scenic hikes and drives at each of the park’s three units let guests view science in action and explore the state of Oregon’s prehistoric past. The John Day Fossil Beds consists of the Sheep Rock Unit, the Painted Hills Unit, and the Clarno Unit.

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