National Monuments

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument protects one of the longest and most continuous records of evolutionary change in North America. Scientists have unearthed countless fossils of land plants and animals dating back 6 to 54 million years as well as evidence of the dramatic climatic changes that have occurred.

Oregon Caves National Monument offers opportunities to explore a marble cave, as well as hike trails through ancient forests. Oregon Caves is located in Southern Oregon, near the California State border, in the Siskiyou Mountains. This region has among the country’s highest biodiversities per acre. The high rate of biodiversity is due to the diverse temperatures, moisture regimes, climates, and bedrock that make up the various habitats in the area.