Painted Hills under stormy skies, John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon

The Painted Hills are one of three units of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in central Oregon. The layers of volcanic ash stripe the hills in wonderful colors, but the soil is so fragile that no one can walk on it without damaging the landscape. Changes in light can make a huge difference in color and atmosphere. Some of these photos were taken in overcast conditions, some in clear skies, and many in late afternoon light. Those are the ones with amazing golden color. The erosion and stripes make wonderful natural abstracts when details are isolated with a long lens.