Painted Hills in One Day: Scenic Oregon Route

Planning a day trip from Portland to Painted Hills? You’re in for a good one.

The kind with an open road ahead, coffee in a thermos, and views that stay with you long after you get home.

In this itinerary, I’ll take you first to the abandoned town of Shaniko, where the wind drifts through wooden buildings and you can genuinely feel the spirit of the Wild West.

Then we’ll head to Clarno Unit, where the rocks look like sculptures from another planet. And finally – Painted Hills. Soft, colorful hills that seem to glow from within at sunset, like something out of a painting.

If you have energy left, you can close out the day with a quiet walk along Trillium Lake with Mount Hood reflected in the water. A mirror-still surface, quiet air, and that moment when you just stand there and look.

This is a complete, well-thought-out plan for one long but beautiful day in Oregon. I’ll also share practical tips: how to plan the route, when to visit, what to watch out for, and where to stop and catch your breath.

If you’re in the mood for a day full of landscapes, open space, and that particular silence of the West – let’s go.

Portland to Painted Hills Day Trip Map

1. Shaniko – Oregon’s Best-Preserved Ghost Town

We start early from Portland. It’s the ideal base if you want to see the rawer, less obvious side of Oregon.

Drive east along the Columbia River, then turn south on Highway 97. The landscape slowly changes. Green gives way to dry hills, wide open space, and the unmistakable quiet of Eastern Oregon.

Along the way, you’ll drive part of the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway. And that name isn’t just marketing. This road genuinely feels like traveling through time.

And then it appears. Shaniko.

Between 1900 and 1930, Shaniko was a thriving town. Trains came and went, warehouses were packed with wool, and the town hummed with commerce. Shaniko is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Oregon.

When the railroad closed and the industry faded, everything slowly went quiet.

Today about 30 people live here. Wind moves between the old wooden buildings, and time seems to have stopped.

You walk between historic structures and feel the atmosphere of the Wild West.

It’s worth stopping at the old hotel, the schoolhouse, the church, and the former train station – among the best-preserved buildings of their kind in Oregon. And perfect backdrops if you love raw, cinematic photos.

Shaniko isn’t big. You don’t need hours here. But it sets the tone for the whole trip. Quiet. Slightly nostalgic.

2. Clarno Unit – A Fossilized World from Millions of Years Ago

After the atmospheric stop in Shaniko, we continue toward Fossil, then a bit further to Clarno Unit.

The road is calm, wide, and sometimes completely empty. That emptiness is part of the experience.

Clarno Unit looks unassuming from a distance. Then you walk closer and suddenly realize you’re looking at history from millions of years ago.

This was once a lush, humid landscape. Trees grew, animals lived here, the land was green and fertile. What remains are plant fossils and traces of ancient life recorded in rock.

You walk among the formations and feel like you’re touching something very old and very permanent.

It’s part of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, along with Painted Hills and Sheep Rock. But compared to those, Clarno is quieter and less obvious. Often nearly empty.

And that’s its biggest draw.

There are three short trails you can walk without rushing, plus a picnic area. Perfect for sitting down, drinking some water, looking at the rocks, and letting the quiet do its thing.

It’s not spectacular in an Instagram way. It’s quiet. Raw. And very real.

3. Painted Hills – One of Oregon’s Seven Wonders

And finally, you arrive. The place the whole route was planned around.

After about two hours from Clarno, the landscape shifts again. Softer. More rolling. And then suddenly you see them in the distance. Painted Hills.

These hills are over 35 million years old. Each layer is a different chapter of Earth’s history. This was once a floodplain. The climate changed repeatedly, and nature recorded it all in color.

The reds come from warmer, wetter periods. The yellows and tawny beiges from cooler, drier eras.

The colors aren’t flat. They blend, ripple, and arrange themselves into patterns that look brushed on by hand.

You stand there and look. And it’s genuinely hard to believe this isn’t someone’s art installation.

No wonder Painted Hills is considered one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders.

This place doesn’t need filters or impressive infrastructure. All it needs is light – morning light or just before sunset – and a moment of stillness.

It’s one of those views that stays in your head long after you’re home.

Trails at Painted Hills – Which One to Choose?

There are several short, easy trails at Painted Hills. Each gives a slightly different perspective and different light.

Painted Hills Overlook Trail 

Length: about 0.6 miles

The simplest starting point. A short walk leads to a viewpoint over Painted Ridge. There’s a characteristic bench where almost everyone takes a photo. And it’s hard to blame them – the view is genuinely impressive.

Painted Cove Trail 

Length: about 0.3 miles

Part of the trail runs along a wooden boardwalk through the most intensely red hills. One of the places where the colors are strongest. Especially beautiful in the morning or before sunset.

Carroll Rim Trail 

Length: about 1.9 miles

The longest trail in this section and the most panoramic. The ascent is gradual, but bring water, especially in summer.

At the top, a wide view over the rolling hills and valleys. A good place to sit for a moment and simply look.

Before setting out on any trail, check current weather conditions. After rain, some paths may be closed to protect the delicate surface. And at Painted Hills, you really feel it. This is a beautiful but fragile landscape.

4. Trillium Lake – A Quiet End to the Day with Mount Hood Views

At the end of the day, we head toward Trillium Lake. It’s about three hours from Painted Hills, so plan your timing carefully – especially if you want to catch the sunset.

And that’s exactly when this place is most beautiful.

Mount Hood reflects in the water like a mirror. The air turns cooler, the light goes soft, and the whole scene looks like a postcard.

After the stark landscapes of Eastern Oregon, this is a completely different world. More green. More moisture. More peace.

A roughly 2-mile trail loops around the lake. It’s a pleasant walk with no significant elevation gain – perfect after a full day on the road. You can circle the lake slowly, stop on the dock, sit at the water’s edge and just look.

It’s also a lovely spot for a picnic for two or a quiet solo ending with a thermos of tea and thoughts settled by the landscape.

In summer, there’s a campsite here with decent facilities. In winter, the area becomes a base for skiing and snowshoeing. But regardless of the season, one thing doesn’t change. That view.

And that’s how you can close out a one-day trip through some of Oregon’s most beautiful places – softly and peacefully.

Useful Tips

How Far Is from Portland to Painted Hills?

It’s about a four-hour drive from Portland to Painted Hills, depending on the route and how many stops you make. And the stops, as you now know, are part of the adventure.

You have two main options:

Route via Biggs Junction and Eastern Oregon

More rugged, desert-like, with wide open spaces and less traffic. You can stop in Shaniko and Clarno Unit along the way.

This is the right choice if you want to make the drive itself a scenic road trip, not just a point A to B journey.

Route via Mount Hood National Forest

Greener, with views of Mount Hood. The road runs through forests and gives a completely different feel than the dry east.

If you want an alpine atmosphere and postcard-worthy shots with a volcano in the background, this is your route.

Both are beautiful. It all depends on whether you’re in the mood for desert space and a Western atmosphere, or mountain views and more greenery.

Is Painted Hills Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

I’ve been there several times and I react the same way every time. First, silence. Then a quiet “wow” that you don’t plan for. And then you just stand there and look.

There’s a reason these hills are among Oregon’s Seven Wonders. They have something hypnotic about them. Rippling lines, colors that shift with the light, a landscape that looks like a painting but is pure geology.

This isn’t a place packed with attractions or infrastructure. It’s space. Silence. And a view that stays with you long after you get home.

If you’re looking for places unlike any other – places that genuinely leave an impression – Painted Hills belongs high on your list.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Painted Hills?

Painted Hills is open year-round, but if I had to choose the best moment, I’d go with late spring or early fall.

In spring, you get delicate greenery and wildflowers that contrast beautifully with the rusty hills. In fall, moisture after rain draws out deeper, more saturated colors.

In both seasons, temperatures are pleasant – usually around 65-72°F – so hiking the trails is genuinely comfortable.

Summer is a different story. This is desert terrain, and temperatures often exceed 86°F.

Shade is limited and the sun can be intense even in spring, so if you’re visiting in the warmer months, aim for early morning or just before sunset.

Winter is beautiful too – more austere and quiet – but the weather can be unpredictable.

The most important thing? No matter the season, come when the light is soft. That’s what does the real magic at Painted Hills.

Can You Drive Through the Painted Hills?

Yes. You can reach all the main Painted Hills viewpoints by car.

Roads lead directly to designated parking areas at the trailheads, so you don’t need to plan long treks just to see the views.

In practice: you drive up, park, and walk a short distance to the overlooks. The trails are easy and well marked.

It’s a very comfortable option, especially if you’re short on time or traveling with someone who prefers a shorter walk.

Just remember – this is a fragile place. Stay on designated paths and wooden boardwalks to protect the delicate, colorful hillsides.

What to Watch Out for at Painted Hills?

This is a beautiful but raw place. It’s worth approaching it with a little care.

• Wear comfortable shoes.

The trails are short but the surface can be uneven and hard. Good footwear makes the walk simply more enjoyable.

• Bring water and sunscreen.

It’s a desert landscape. There’s little shade and the sun can be strong even in spring. A water bottle is essential, especially in summer.

• Watch for snakes. 

It doesn’t happen often, but this is their natural habitat. Stick to marked trails and watch where you step.

• Drones are prohibited. 

Flying drones within the monument is not allowed. The aim is to protect the delicate ecosystem and the quiet of this place.

• Don’t leave the paths. 

The colorful hills are fragile and very easy to damage. Staying on designated routes isn’t just about rules – it’s about respect for the landscape.

• Camping is not allowed at Painted Hills. 

If you’re planning an overnight stay, look for nearby campgrounds or designated dispersed camping areas in the surrounding region.

This isn’t a demanding place. A little preparation and a bit of mindfulness is all it takes. And then you can fully enjoy the view – without stress.

How Deep Is Trillium Lake?

Trillium Lake has a maximum depth of about 20 feet and an average depth of roughly 6 feet.

This means the water warms up faster than alpine mountain lakes and creates good conditions for recreation. In summer, many people kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or simply wade in at the shore.

Thanks to the shallow depth, the surface is often calm – which intensifies that perfect reflection of Mount Hood. And that mirror is the most beautiful thing here.

Can You Swim in Trillium Lake?

Yes, you can swim in Trillium Lake.

It’s a popular recreational spot, especially in summer. Thanks to the shallow depth, the water warms up faster than many mountain lakes, so swimming is quite pleasant on warm days.

Beyond swimming, you can rent a kayak, SUP, or fish – all with Mount Hood reflected in the water behind you.

It’s one of those places where activity and landscape blend together, and you can’t quite decide whether you want to move or just sit and watch.

Painted Hills in One Day – Wrap-Up

Painted Hills, Shaniko, and Trillium Lake make for a complete plan for one intense but genuinely beautiful day trip from Portland.

You get everything. The atmosphere of a ghost town. Millions of years recorded in colorful hills. A quiet lake with Mount Hood in the background. Rugged desert space and green mountain stillness – all in one day.

This is a route that shows just how diverse Oregon can be. And how much you can see with just one day.

If you’ve already been to these places or have your own favorite corners of Oregon, reach out – I love discovering new routes, especially the less obvious ones.

Pin it for later