Did you know that you can go on your very own fossil hunting expedition right here in Oregon? The Wheeler High School Fossil Beds are overflowing with evidence of prehistoric life, dating back millions of years. This unique fossil park (fittingly located in the town of Fossil, OR) is the perfect place to uncover your own piece of Earth’s ancient history. Take a look at this fossil park in Oregon:
A trip to the one-of-a-kind Wheeler High School Fossil Beds is sure to bring out your inner explorer.
Flickr/Nat West About 33 million years ago, this area was covered in a shallow lake. Today, you can find fossils from the leaves and branches of the deciduous trees that grew along the stream banks and in nearby wetlands.
You’ll find educational signs at the start of the dig site that will help you identify your exciting finds.
Trip Advisor/Neil C Before you start digging, make sure to stop by the nearby Oregon Paleo Center. There will be volunteers on hand who can offer tips for finding the best fossils.
The hillside is a treasure trove filled with fossils dating back to the Oligocene Era.
Trip Advisor/StagerNana The Wheeler High School Fossil Beds are one of the few places you can actually dig for fossils in the John Day Fossil Beds.
You should be able to find plenty that have faint impressions of leaves, twigs, seeds, and other plant matter.
Flickr/Nat West Some people have even found fossils of aquatic vertebrates, including a salamander and small fish.
Some digging tools and buckets may be available at the site to use for free, but it’s a good idea to bring your own along just in case.
Trip Advisor/Neil C Note that there is an entry fee of $5 for individuals, $15 for families of four ($3 for each additional child), and $25 for groups of 20 or less.
The best part about a trip to the Wheeler Fossil Beds is that you get to take your treasures home with you at the end of the day.
Trip Advisor/WestwardBound54 And while you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out some other cool places in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument!
The Wheeler High School Fossil Beds are located at 600 E B St., Fossil, OR 97830. Note that both the park and Oregon Paleo Center are open by appointment during the winter season. For more information and to plan your visit, click here.
Flickr/Nat West
About 33 million years ago, this area was covered in a shallow lake. Today, you can find fossils from the leaves and branches of the deciduous trees that grew along the stream banks and in nearby wetlands.
Trip Advisor/Neil C
Before you start digging, make sure to stop by the nearby Oregon Paleo Center. There will be volunteers on hand who can offer tips for finding the best fossils.
Trip Advisor/StagerNana
The Wheeler High School Fossil Beds are one of the few places you can actually dig for fossils in the John Day Fossil Beds.
Some people have even found fossils of aquatic vertebrates, including a salamander and small fish.
Note that there is an entry fee of $5 for individuals, $15 for families of four ($3 for each additional child), and $25 for groups of 20 or less.
Trip Advisor/WestwardBound54
And while you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out some other cool places in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument!
Have you visited this park before? Share your thoughts and experiences with us below!
For more fun nature activities in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: These 8 Oregon Hiking Trails Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 333 W 4th St, Fossil, OR 97830, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fossil Park In Oregon May 06, 2020 Leah Did dinosaurs live in Oregon? As you can see from this park with fossils in Oregon, most of the remnants of the prehistoric found in this state are plants or small fish. The state was covered by a shallow ocean during the days of the dinosaurs, so you wouldn’t find things like a T-rex here, but there were some pretty incredible aquatic creatures that existed here. One of the most complete prehistoric animals recorded and found in Oregon was the Aetiocetus, which was an early whale from 25 million years ago. It is likely that mosasaurs and plesiosauruses were also around this area, though fossils are scarce. What types of fossils can I find in Oregon? After you’ve found out where to dig up fossils in Oregon, you might be wondering what you could possibly discover. As mentioned, you likely won’t find big dinosaur teeth or bones, but fossils with imprints of prehistoric plants or simple vertebrates. These plant fossils are eye-catching and beautiful parts of history. Plus, they would make great natural decorations for the home or things to study. The plant imprints were made millions upon millions of years ago, and it’s fascinating to think they made a mark that can be seen by us all this time later. What is the best park for kids in Oregon? Digging up fossils is a fantastic activity to do with kids, but it’s not the only opportunity for some family fun in Oregon. If you’d like to bring the family to a fantastic natural area to explore Oregon’s wilderness, the Tillamook Forest Center is a great option. This park has many trails going through gorgeous scenery with the chance to see wildlife. They have the region’s largest outdoor classroom facility for learning, programs, and plenty of other things for kids and adults alike. Plus, you can’t beat a $5 admission fee and the programs being free.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Fossil Park In Oregon
May 06, 2020
Leah
Did dinosaurs live in Oregon? As you can see from this park with fossils in Oregon, most of the remnants of the prehistoric found in this state are plants or small fish. The state was covered by a shallow ocean during the days of the dinosaurs, so you wouldn’t find things like a T-rex here, but there were some pretty incredible aquatic creatures that existed here. One of the most complete prehistoric animals recorded and found in Oregon was the Aetiocetus, which was an early whale from 25 million years ago. It is likely that mosasaurs and plesiosauruses were also around this area, though fossils are scarce. What types of fossils can I find in Oregon? After you’ve found out where to dig up fossils in Oregon, you might be wondering what you could possibly discover. As mentioned, you likely won’t find big dinosaur teeth or bones, but fossils with imprints of prehistoric plants or simple vertebrates. These plant fossils are eye-catching and beautiful parts of history. Plus, they would make great natural decorations for the home or things to study. The plant imprints were made millions upon millions of years ago, and it’s fascinating to think they made a mark that can be seen by us all this time later. What is the best park for kids in Oregon? Digging up fossils is a fantastic activity to do with kids, but it’s not the only opportunity for some family fun in Oregon. If you’d like to bring the family to a fantastic natural area to explore Oregon’s wilderness, the Tillamook Forest Center is a great option. This park has many trails going through gorgeous scenery with the chance to see wildlife. They have the region’s largest outdoor classroom facility for learning, programs, and plenty of other things for kids and adults alike. Plus, you can’t beat a $5 admission fee and the programs being free.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you can see from this park with fossils in Oregon, most of the remnants of the prehistoric found in this state are plants or small fish. The state was covered by a shallow ocean during the days of the dinosaurs, so you wouldn’t find things like a T-rex here, but there were some pretty incredible aquatic creatures that existed here. One of the most complete prehistoric animals recorded and found in Oregon was the Aetiocetus, which was an early whale from 25 million years ago. It is likely that mosasaurs and plesiosauruses were also around this area, though fossils are scarce.
What types of fossils can I find in Oregon?
After you’ve found out where to dig up fossils in Oregon, you might be wondering what you could possibly discover. As mentioned, you likely won’t find big dinosaur teeth or bones, but fossils with imprints of prehistoric plants or simple vertebrates. These plant fossils are eye-catching and beautiful parts of history. Plus, they would make great natural decorations for the home or things to study. The plant imprints were made millions upon millions of years ago, and it’s fascinating to think they made a mark that can be seen by us all this time later.
What is the best park for kids in Oregon?
Digging up fossils is a fantastic activity to do with kids, but it’s not the only opportunity for some family fun in Oregon. If you’d like to bring the family to a fantastic natural area to explore Oregon’s wilderness, the Tillamook Forest Center is a great option. This park has many trails going through gorgeous scenery with the chance to see wildlife. They have the region’s largest outdoor classroom facility for learning, programs, and plenty of other things for kids and adults alike. Plus, you can’t beat a $5 admission fee and the programs being free.
