2020 Map of Painted Hills

About this map

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument anchors the southeastern portion of this landscape, where the deeply eroded colorful strata of the Painted Hills reveal millions of years of geological history. The terrain is defined by a dense network of canyons and gulches, including Coyote Canyon, Lockwood Canyon, and Shaw Canyon, which drain toward the north and east. The John Day River, designated here as the John Day Wild and Scenic River, cuts across the northern edge of the sheet, providing a vital water source in this arid environment. Human imprints are primarily found in the rural road network, with Burnt Ranch Rd and Bear Creek Rd connecting remote ranching areas. High points like Carroll Rim and Rainbow Hill overlook the Painted Hills Reservoir, marking a landscape where natural conservation and traditional land use intersect.