2017 Map of Painted Hills

About this map

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument anchors the southeast corner of this Wheeler County landscape, highlighting a region defined by dramatic geological formations. The eponymous Painted Hills are joined by nearby landmarks like Carroll Rim and the colorful Rainbow Hill, while smaller features such as Brown Grotto and Red Scar Knoll dot the surrounding canyons. This 2017 survey illustrates the complex drainage network of the John Day River and its many tributaries, including Bridge Cr and Bear Cr. The human footprint is marked by long-established routes such as Burnt Ranch Rd and Bear Creek Rd, which navigate the deep incisions of Shaw Canyon and Coyote Canyon. The presence of the Painted Hills Reservoir and various springs, like Stovepipe Spring, indicates the critical role of water management in this high-desert environment.