Painted Hills in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon (© Anand Hegde)

【January 24 2014】Millions of years ago, the Painted Hills of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument was a riverbed flood plain. As the waters rose and receded, different types of sediment stacked up, creating the colored stripes that line the hills. Volcanic eruptions from the Cascade Mountains contributed to the formations as well, leaving fossils of primitive rhinos, horses, and other animals throughout the region. While most of us visit for the spectacular scenery, paleontologists come for the abundant research opportunities.Explore breathtaking Gallery from the HuluTrip homepage over the past 5 years..