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Mitchell

Located just nine miles away from the Painted Hills — one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument — Mitchell is situated in a rugged canyon off U.S. Highway 26.

An impressive rock formation, the Mitchell Rock, looms above the town’s entrance and two hills, Black Butte and White Butte, rise up in the near distance. Three restaurants, one espresso stop, a historic hotel, two European cottages and a city park with RV hookups and camping make this a popular stop for visitors to the monument. Every Labor Day weekend, Mitchell celebrates the colorful Painted Hills Festival — an old-fashioned, fun event for the entire family.

: Painted Hills by Joni Kabana

Nearby Cities: Spray, Kimberly, Fossil

Mitchell Trip Ideas

A Road Trip Back in Time

It's the perfect time to pack up the family and head to the John Day Fossil Beds in Eastern Oregon.

By Celeste Brash
Journey Through Time Scenic Byway

The marks of time are stamped across the landscape on this 286-mile/ 460-kilometer...

By Travel Oregon

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John Day River Farm Trail

Condon, Eastern Oregon

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Mitchell

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Are there campsites near the Painted Hills with restrooms?

Sounds like a really fun trip! The Painted Hills are one of my favorite places in Oregon, with a landscape that is both majestic and a little surreal when the sunlight hits it just right. One of the best campgrounds near the Painted Hills is the Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, located between John Day…