THE 5 BEST Things to Do in John Day, OR
Places to Visit in John Day
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
National Parks • Forests
What travellers are saying
- kevan jNorman, OK1,504 contributionsJohn Day Fossil Beds is an absolutely marvelous place...I highly recommend it! It could easily be a national park! We visited all three units--leaving early in the morning from Bend--and going first to the Painted Hills Unit, followed by the Sheep Rock Unit, and wrapping things up at the Clarno Unit before heading north. I realize that some might be discouraged by the long drives between the units, but I actually found the entire scenic byway to be one of the most awesome things about our visit. Beautiful drives along rivers in the canyons, magnificent and spectacular views from above, and quaint little towns and farms along the way. We did it all very easily in one long day. A few things to keep in mind:
1. The Painted Hills Unit has the most visitors, but it is still pretty isolated. There's a great picnic area and a number of excellent short hikes. We did them all, but I recommend the Painted Hill Overlook Trail.
2. The Sheep Rock Unit has a really nice visitor center with excellent fossil exhibits. I also recommend the two short hikes in the Foree Area.
3. The Clarno Unit is very small and looks quite different from the other two units. However, the Trail of Fossils is absolutely wonderful. A bit steep but not bad. You can actually see fossils along the trail.Written 28 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - rlgraham503Portland, OR7 contributionsThis is one of the most interesting museums I have ever been to. It is a fascinating tale of Oregon history and so amazingly preserved. Our tour guide was so nice and informative. He made the place come to life. Highly recommend!!!Written 20 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Demetria B35 contributionsBeautiful body of water …. I think John Day is a hidden gem. The river flows through other areas of interest as well. I have included pictures as wellWritten 23 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- rdsm77Tucson, AZ395 contributionsChose this route on a road trip to Washington and was glad I did. Most of the route was through winding forest so it was not fast. Very pretty. Many spots on the road were right next to the river. Had some good spots to pull over and take photos.Written 30 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michelle WNampa, ID185 contributionsIf you are from anywhere other than Oregon, take your business elsewhere. I assume the woman behind the counter with the gravelly voice from years of smoking is the owner. If not, the owner should know who is the face of the business. While in the store, the owner did not hold back on her opinion about those who came here from out of state. They are destroying Oregon. According to her, they destroyed Bend, Oregon and now they are destroying John Day. With strangers browsing the store, she didn’t care.
This woman was holding a conversation with two other like-minded sheeples, nodding their heads in support of the garbage coming from this narrow-minded woman behind the counter. If I found something I thought I would buy, I would take a pass. She is not going to make any money from me. I hope the townspeople support each other’s business enough to keep her afloat.Written 5 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NICK H4 contributionsThank you to all at Lea Marston Hotel. We recently staged a Memorial Golf Day for my beutiful wife and a dear Friend John. A special thanks to Darren Lewis and his staff in the golf shop. Without Darren this day would not have happened. And a special Thank you to Shona for all her help both of you are legends. We are so greatful for you service and help amazing . We raised a total of £ 1020 for our charity. Dosthill Boys Club. What a great Hotel Top Draw. Regards Nick & Dan Holden.Written 7 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Frank PEugene, OR1,128 contributionsWife and i visited here as she loves these kinds of places. This place is what you expect. But what makes it special is what it supports. This is a non profit business to help support developmentally disabled adults. Who actually work preparing items for sale. Stop by for a few minutes buy something you don't need to help the cause and feel good about it.Written 31 July 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
