ONDA urges you to explore Sutton Mountain
The Painted Hills induces awe with its swirling red-and-gold terrain and glimpse into prehistoric time. Yet right across from this unit of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument lies a secret Oregon gem equal in allure and beauty.
Meet Sutton Mountain, the perfect complement to the Painted Hills, a place recently crowned by Travel Oregon as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. During the coming weeks, the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA) will introduce Oregonians to the Seven Wonders of Sutton Mountain, highlighting this area’s incredible recreation opportunities and natural diversity.
“Sutton Mountain is a prime example of why people should discover the John Day River country,” said Ben Gordon, ONDA’s John Day coordinator. “Many people don’t know how unbelievable this part of the state is, and Sutton Mountain is like a quiet treasure in the area. Now, visitors will have a resource for learning more.”
The Seven Wonders of Sutton Mountain area encompasses a 4,694-foot mountain with see-for-miles vistas, canyons carved by burbling creeks, otherworldly geological features and frontage above the John Day River, famed for fishing and floating. It offers endless exploration, from hiking to boating to birding. In all, the area contains multiple wilderness study areas for a total of more than 58,000 acres.
ONDA will begin sharing information about one of Sutton’s seven wonders and how to access them over the course of seven weeks. Those wanting to access all the information at once can go to ONDA’s website, ONDA.org/SevenWonders.
The Bend-based conservation organization is also working on protection initiatives for Sutton Mountain, detailed at ONDA.org/SuttonMountain.
“We hope that just as people know to get their maple bar in Mitchell and marvel at the John Day Fossil Beds that they will know to visit Sutton Mountain,” Gordon said. “Experiencing this place quickly illuminates why ONDA is working toward permanent land protection here.”
For nearly 30 years, ONDA has worked to protect, defend and restore Oregon’s high desert, including in the John Day River country. Learn more at ONDA.org.
