This article concludes our unusual West Coast itinerary in search of unusual natural wonders: after crossing California and Nevada we landed in Oregon, where we admired Crater Lake National Park, the impressive dunes on the coast, Thor’s Well, and the spooky Lava Lands (you didn’t miss the last episode, did you? In case you did, go to the article From Crater Lake to Lava Lands).
We still have one last stop in Oregon and then we’ll head towards Idaho and then Wyoming. What awaits us? Again, very unusual, natural spectacles, such as extravagantly painted mountains (Painted Hills), lunar craters (Craters of the Moon), and finally a hot spring with fascinating rainbow colors, one of the most amazing natural attractions in America (Grand Prismatic Spring).
Here’s an interactive map of this last part of the itinerary (for the full route go to the bottom of the article).
Contents
Stage 1: Painted Mountains Painted Hills, Oregon, a photographer’s paradise
In the middle of Oregon, about 3 and a half hours from our last stop (Big Obsidian Flow), we find the John Day Fossil Beds, a park particularly well known for its remarkable number of fossils, but also for a number of unusual natural beauties such as the Blue Basin natural amphitheater, the huge rock palisades of Clarno, the green-tinged rocks of Sheep Rock and the painted hills, not surprisingly named Painted Hills.
With their amazing colors that make them resemble giant sandcastles, the Painted Hills are a true paradise for photographers. Keep in mind the advice from the National Park Service:
The yellow, gold, black and red colors of the Painted Hills are fascinating at all hours of the day, but the best lighting for photography is in the late afternoon. Changes in light and humidity can greatly affect the tones and hues of the hills.
The Painted Hills are located 9 miles northwest of Mitchell, off US-26, 200 miles from Portland, Oregon. To find out how to visit them, read our upcoming in-depth feature on Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds.
Stage 2: Craters of the Moon, Idaho, welcome to the moon!
Let’s now move eastward, crossing Idaho, one of the most fascinating and underrated states in the United States, and head towards the most surreal natural spectacle of the State: Craters of the Moon National Monument, an expanse of lava cones, craters, caves, molten lava channels, mounds of earth and twisted trees that really gives the impression of being on the moon.
This lunar landscape is truly impressive and can be accessed by paying a weekly ticket ($8 for cars, $4 for others). A winding 7-mile road crosses the park, showing the expanses of lava, but beware: it is open only from late April to mid-November.
There are some marked trails, while in other cases you need a specific permit (wilderness permit) for excursions into the more remote areas. In any case, do not venture onto any unconventional trails as it could be dangerous (some rocks can be sharp and have high temperatures).
One of the attractions you should not miss at Craters of the Moon is the steep 2600 feet climb to the top of Inferno Cone, a volcanic cone from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the whole region.
Other points of interest are North Crater Flow and Devils Orchard. For more details read our guide to Craters of the Moon.
Stage 3: Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone, a hot spring surrounded by the rainbow
Grand Prismatic Spring, in the Midway Geyser Basin, is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone Park, approximately 370 feet in diameter and over 120 feet deep.
It is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the United States, and its rainbow colors have been attracting explorers, scientists, and tourists for 200 years.
The intensity of color comes from bacteria and microbes that grow along the edges of the spring, while the purity of the water at the center of this natural pool has a vivid blue hue that is quite rare.
If by chance you may feel like taking a dip, forget it: the temperature is about 320° Fahrenheit! Find all the information to visit it in our article on Grand Prismatic Spring.
Of course, since you are in the area, you can continue your visit all along Yellowstone Park, one of the most fascinating national parks in America, and then perhaps continue to explore the state of Wyoming following our suggestions on what to do in Wyoming.
For suggestions on overnight stays, you can read our guide on where to stay in Yellowstone.
Oregon to Yellowstone road trip recap
This brings us to the end of this 3-part itinerary, which is certainly not one of the most popular routes in the United States. However, it is an excellent alternative for enjoying natural beauty outside the classic routes, thus contributing to the discovery of a part of America that most people don’t know.
Below you will find the complete itinerary and links to the first 2 parts of the itinerary:
Part 1: Undiscovered Wonders of America: An Unusual West Coast Itinerary
Part 2: From Crater Lake to the Lava Lands: An Unusual West Coast Itinerary
