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.

 

 

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.

 

Burnt Ranch Road (also known as Bridge Creek Road)  leads from the Ochoco Highway in Mitchell to the Painted Hills Overlook (part of the John Day National Monument/Painted Hills division). The road itself is partial monument land, part BLM, so care must be taken with permit applications.

The road itself is a stunning drive surrounded by geological fossil formations on one side, and grasses and farm land on the other. It also winds alongside Bridge Creek.

BLM permit applications require 60 days advance notice through BLM Prineville.

John Day National Monument should be done at least 30 days in advance.

Nearest accommodation and services are in Mitchell (limited/10-15 minutes away), and wider availability in Prineville (1 hour via Hwy 26).

 

 

 

 

A destination RV resort & marina located at Lake Simtustus in central Oregon. The property features an RV park with 77 full hook-up spaces and breathtaking panoramic canyon or lake views from every RV site. Lake Simtustus boasts over 300 sunny days a year. With average summer temperatures in the 80’s, this is an excellent choice for a recreation location. The only private property with lake access on the 640 acre, 8-mile long lake, surrounded by two hillside canyons. Here you can enjoy fishing, water sports, waterfall and trail networks for locations.  

Permits must be issued by Portland General Electric, and for fishing use and some destinations across the water by the Warm Springs Reservation.

Private property approximately 12 minutes from Sisters with multiple locations including small lake, and  a pond.  Rocky area, farm land (hay and hemp).  Gravel pit area.  Mountain views of the Three Sisters Mountain ranges from multiple locations.

Property also used for The Postman (Kevin Costner).