Near Mitchell in Wheeler County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

A Matter of Survival

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 9, 2010

1. A Matter of Survival Marker

Inscription. Straining to scent a water source, searching for a tender leaf, sensing immediate danger – to live in this near-desert today, mule deer, coyotes, quail, and humans must possess special skills and abilities. Without them they cross the threshold from survival to extinction. This holds true in any environment on the planet – now, and in the past.

Here, about 30 million years ago, major shifts in temperature and humidity occurred. Great changes in the plant life inevitably resulted. The animals that survived this transition were those that evolved new behaviors, different bodies, new abilities to survive. Still, long-term survival was not assured, as the fossil record reveals.

Fossils from the John Day country imply more than an odd-shaped mammal or exotic plant. Here they portray a healthy forest ecosystem long gone, and suggest reasons for its disappearance. Gathering such information may help us predict the future of modern species.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 44° 38.992′ N, 120° 16′ W. Marker is near Mitchell, Oregon, in Wheeler County. Marker can be reached from Bear Creek Road

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, 1.2 miles west of Bridge Creek - Burnt Ranch Road. Marker is located in the Painted Hills Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument at the end of the road to the Painted Hills Overlook parking lot and trailhead; the above directions are to the intersection of Bear Creek Road and the Painted Hills Overlook road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mitchell OR 97750, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Deciphering the Forest (here, next to this marker); Pieces of the Puzzle (here, next to this marker); Painted Hills Overlook (here, next to this marker); Painted by the Past (here, next to this marker); Who was John Day? (here, next to this marker); Fossils on the Frontier (approx. 0.8 miles away); Look Below the Surface (approx. 0.8 miles away); H.H. Wheeler (approx. 10.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mitchell.

Painted Hills image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 9, 2010

2. Painted Hills

View from marker

View from Painted Hills Overlook Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 9, 2010

3. View from Painted Hills Overlook Trail

The black hash marks are rich in manganese

Photographed By Duane Hall, September 9, 2010

4. View from Painted Hills Overlook Trail

The red layer is from iron minerals oxidized by long exposure

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 460 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 12, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.