John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Sheep Rock, with the John Day River in the foreground
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.
Map showing location of park.
Northside view of the Cant barn and adjacent sheep pens following the roof restoration.
Great American Outdoors Act Funding Restores Historic Cant Ranch Barn and Shearing Shed
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.
Sheep Rock
Photo by NPS Photo / Sue Anderson
Painted Hills
Photo by NPS Photo / Scott Ritner
Clarno
Photo by NPS Photo
Paleontologist at work
Photo by NPS Photo
White house surrounded by green with concrete path leading to the front
Photo by NPS photo