The John Day River Territory is heaven for nature lovers. The region’s natural beauty invites visitors to stay at least 3 days if not more. It’s the perfect destination for those who want to trade in life’s hustle and bustle for a few days of peace, serenity, and awe-inspiring views.
‘The ‘Wild and Scenic’ John Day River, North America’s second longest un-dammed river, parallels much of the route, offering excellent rafting, fishing, and camping. Geology buffs, and anyone who’s curious about fossils, will take great pleasure in the interpretive trails at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument . The monument is made up of three units, one of which is the Painted Hills, recently labeled one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. Thanks to Travel Oregon for sharing this information.
Journey Through Time Scenic Byway ‘reveals tales of pioneers, towns boomed and busted, and creatures that wandered this terrain million 
of years ago. The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway stretches 266 miles through north central to eastern Oregon. Beginning in the community of Biggs and ending in Baker City, this Byway meanders through ghost towns and small farming communities that bring the Old West to Life.
The Painted Hills Unit is distinguished by varied stripes of red, tan, orange, and black, this area preserves a sequence of past climate change. The Painted Hills Unit also contains a diverse assemblage of leaf fossils aging 39-30 million years old called the Bridge Creek Flora, and a small outcropping of rock containing animal fossils from 30-27 million years ago. Wilson Ranches Retreat will be the perfect spot to lay your travel weary head
Looking for a Central Oregon Dude Ranch vacation? Look no further. This working cattle ranch, provides horseback vacations, cattle drives, and hiking vacations. After a day in the saddle the friendly ranch style atmosphere, the cozy guest rooms and home cooked meals will satisfy and refresh hungry, tired guests.
Wilson Ranches welcomes you to Oregon’s high desert! Enjoy the epic beauty and western hospitality of Wilson Ranches Retreat, an authentic working cattle ranch near Fossil, Oregon. At Wilson Ranches, they live history every day. Wake up to a hearty ranch-style breakfast with an Oregon Trail family, then saddle up for a ride into the hills, join in a cattle drive or hike while soaking in the beauty of our high desert ranch, rich in diverse wildlife.
Make Wilson Ranches Retreat your home base for exploring historic pioneer towns, digging for fossils in Fossil, fishing and rafting the John Day River, or roaming the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and Painted Hills, one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. You may need more than just 3 days.
Give a generous Gift of pioneer hospitality, relaxation and memories. A gift certificate from Wilson Ranches Retreat will pair the recipient with an opportunity to explore an Oregon working cattle and dude ranch.
The Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or small historic hotel.
Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.
Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
Although mask guidelines are lifted:
● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.
● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.
We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.
