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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Clarno Trails
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Trails at Clarno [18 miles west of Fossil, OR, on Route 218]
The Palisades trailhead is located 1/4 mile west of the picnic area along Highway 218. The three trails listed below begin from the trailhead parking area. Stops along the trails have interpretive signs explaining the landscape and unseen aspects of the resource.
Trail of the Fossils [1/4 mile hike] – This is the only trail in the park where one can readily see fossils in the rocks. Large boulders strewn below The Palisades cliff contain hundreds of visible plant fossils from jungle-like forests that blanketed the region about 44 million years ago.
Clarno Arch Trail [1/4 mile hike] – A moderate climb will bring one to the base of The Palisades cliff directly under a natural arch cut into the cliff by erosion. Petrified logs are visible in the cliff face.
Geologic Time Trail [1/4 mile one way] –This trail connects the picnic area and trailhead area, leading one below the
Palisades cliff. The trail symbolizes a timeline. Signs along the way note pre- historic events of the last 50 million years. Each foot of trail represents 37,000 years. The trail may be started from either end, going backward or forward in time.
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Click on the map for a larger version. |
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Trails at the Painted Hills The trails at the Painted Hills allow visitors to immerse themselves in the dramatic scenery. more... | | Trails at Sheep Rock Explore the beautiful hiking trails at the Sheep Rock Unit. more... | |
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Did You Know?
The wildflowers at the Painted Hills provide abundant sources of food for the monument's many butterfly species.
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Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:22 EST |