Do you ever feel like going somewhere slow-paced and peaceful, where you can drive for miles in any direction and still be surrounded by breathtaking scenery? Tucked into a gorgeous valley in Oregon’s high desert, Fossil is an itsy bitsy town that’s full of history and surrounded by unique scenery that’ll blow you away. Check it out:
Nestled into the John Day Basin in Wheeler County, Fossil is a tiny town with a population of only 473.
flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Here you’ll find historic buildings, fossil beds, charming local businesses, and easy access to amazing natural wonders.
wiki/ Finetooth
The town is centered between the three units of the wondrous John Day Fossil Beds National Monument – where you’ll find some of the most unique scenery in the state.
flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood
There’s the Sheep Rock Unit….
flickr/ Andrew Kearns
The Clarno Unit….
flickr/ Loren Kerns
…And the renowned Painted Hills, one of Oregon’s most spectacular natural wonders.
flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood
Gorgeous trails wind through the landscape, making for unique excursions that’ll make you feel like you’re on another planet.
flickr/ Ben Amstutz
Fossil is also located amidst miles and miles of lovely bucolic scenery that can be experienced by taking a peaceful drive on the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway or a ride on the Old West Scenic Bikeway.
flickr/ jill, jellidonut… whatever
In town, you can discover you own slice of natural history by making a visit to the town’s most unique attraction: Fossil’s very own fossil bed.
flickr/ A.Davey
Located behind the Wheeler High School, this fossil bed is a great place for amateurs to try their hand at digging for fossils. Don’t worry about bringing your own gear; there’s some there you can borrow.
trip advisor/ Alessandro (There’s a $5 visiting fee which benefits the high school.)
The quiet, slow-paced town is also home to a museum, a golf course, a farmer’s market, a hand full of stores and restaurants, and more.
facebook/ Fossil, Oregon
If you want to stay the night, check out one of the inns or B&Bs in the area. One option is the lovely Wilson Ranches Retreat Bed & Breakfast, pictured below.
trip advisor/ management
There are also a few fun festivals that take place here each year, including a Bluegrass Festival and the Wheeler County Fair and Rodeo.
flickr/ Fossil, Oregon
The whole place has a charming, Old West feel.
flickr/ jodene e
If you’re looking to relax in a peaceful town surrounded by amazing natural beauty, Fossil and the John Day Basin is a unique and wonderful place to start.
flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
Find out about more wonderful rural small towns in Oregon here.
flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
wiki/ Finetooth
flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood
flickr/ Andrew Kearns
flickr/ Loren Kerns
flickr/ Ben Amstutz
flickr/ jill, jellidonut… whatever
flickr/ A.Davey
trip advisor/ Alessandro
(There’s a $5 visiting fee which benefits the high school.)
facebook/ Fossil, Oregon
trip advisor/ management
flickr/ Fossil, Oregon
flickr/ jodene e
flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
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