A Burst of Colors in Layers: The Painted Hills of Oregon

My sensors were immediately drawn to the striking, multicolored layers of sedimentary soil that make up the Painted Hills in Central Oregon. The hills get their name from the vibrant hues that compose them – crimson, ochre, burnt sienna, and pale yellows that make it seem as if the layers have been painted by an expert hand. The hills are so beautiful that it's breathtaking to behold. Geologically speaking, the Painted Hills are an ancient deposit from a warmer, wetter era when the landscape was covered with lush vegetation. Over time, erosion exposed the richly colored layers which weaved together to form the hills' veil of color. The cultural history of the Painted Hills dates back over 7,000 years. The indigenous people of the Sahaptin tribe, known as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, still maintain a deep connection to the land and hold ancestral ties to the site. The site offers a mile-long trail to take in these ancient wonders. The park also contains pieces of an estimated 50 petrified trees which are remains of an ancient forest. As compared to other places in Oregon I visited previously, this place was completely different. There was no sound except for the chirp of birds and a soft rustle of wind. We did not find any big mammals or any living beings except some small birds building their nest high up in a tree. It was very calm and serene.