The John Day Fossil Beds Monument is a wonderful attraction you can enjoy visiting in Central Oregon. As the name implies, the Monument includes areas where important fossil discoveries have been made. There are three Units or regions within the John Day Fossil Beds Monument, and each one is an incredibly beautiful, scenic wonder in addition to an important fossil bed area. The Painted Hills are probably the best known part of the John Day Fossil Beds Monument. Different types of soil create an incredible visual effect on these hills. They appear to be painted with black, red, yellow or gold and silver hues. The Unit at Sheep Rock is another popular Unit within the Monument. Many visitors start their tour of the Fossil Beds here at the Paleontology Museum. Last but not least, The Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument contains another very beautiful natural formation. The cliffs of the Palisades here are spectacular. They date back 44 million years, and this Unit has been the site of important fossil discoveries, as well.