In early October I spent five days in the John Day country. On the fifth day of the trip I journeyed to the Painted Hills Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. After hiking the scenic, but tougher Carrol Rim Trail, I did the short, pleasant Leaf Hill and Red Hill Trails.

Besides the dramatic Painted Hills, there were snakes, small birds and jack rabbits to entertain me.

Western Jack Rabbit

Warbler (Townsend?)

Late blooming Monkey Flowers

Painted Hills

Afternoon shadows

Gopher Snake