We recently visited the Pillars of Rome in Malhuer County, Eastern Oregon and WOW. They did not disappoint.  We felt the ghost of ObiWan Kenobi wandering through here with us!

The 100-foot (30 m)-high Rome Cliffs, or “Pillars of Rome” are formations of fossil-bearing clay, measuring about 5 miles (8 km) long and 2 miles (3 km) wide. They’re located along the Owyhee River in a very remote area.

Filming would be challenging here as there is only one place to stay and they are spartan cabins in Rome itself, part of the one store here. It could be done however, with a team of RV’s on the neighboring cattle property for a price.  It would be well worth it though.

 

 

Whenever someone asks us for locations with trees, I laugh a little inside as we have millions of trees, of varying kinds (ponderosas, junipers, aspens and lodgepole pine).  Ponderosas are gorgeous and create really stunning locations due to the striations in their bark.  These images were taken between 2-4pm in mid-February, in Shevlin Park.  There is a road that can be utilized by film crew towards the southern side of the park with a Forest service restroom, and a large parking area.  Permits are required through Bend Park and Rec, at least 30 days in advance.

Kimberly is located at the intersection of Oregon Route 19 and 402 and the confluence of the John Day and the North Fork John Day rivers. The John Day River Trading Post is located at the intersection.

County permits required for any filming.

 

 

 

 

The Picture Gorge is located on Highway 26, and is made of basalt and consists of 17 individual layers of flood basalt, that create a spectacular southern entrance to the Sheep Rock Unit of the monument.
Filming could be done at the entrance of the Picture Gorge, although filming within the Gorge may be difficult due to falling rocks. Vehicles may not stop within the picture gorge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarno is part of the John Day National Monument system and is located at Oregon route 218 near the John Day river.

The Clarno Unit is located 18 miles west of the town of Fossil, Oregon.

There are trails located ¼ mile west of the picnic area along Highway 218. The Trail of Fossils and the Clarno Arch Trail start at the trailhead. 

There  is a picnic and parking area close to the Palisades rocks, and parking in front of the rocks.  

The nearest town with accommodation and extensive services is approximately an hour away. 

Permits are required by the park ranger from the John Day National Monument and should be applied for a minimum 21 days in advance.

Absolutely no drone use in the Monument.