“If you never go, you will never know.” – Anonymous
Painted Hills is considered to be one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon. I just had to see it. I left Bend at 5 am and began my journey while it was still dark outside. It was a 2-hour drive to Mitchell. A very lonely and isolated trip to another middle of nowhere destination. My kind of road trip.
I’m glad I wasn’t driving too fast because when I turned on one corner there was a deer about to cross and I hit my brakes right away. We both stared at each other until it decided to cross the road. I should have taken a picture of it. I’m still slow when it comes to wildlife photography but I’ll get there. I am so amazed every time I see them that I capture it in my mind instead of using a camera. As you can see below, I took the picture right after the deer left. My apologies.
As soon as I reached Painted Hills the road was not paved at all. It was a gravel road which is probably why most of the people who live in the area drive trucks. I was completely alone again. I enjoyed the quiet time and explored the area.
Sometimes you lose yourself in places like this and there are no words to describe the experience. Another unforgettable place in Oregon forever imprinted in my heart.
Tips for this trip:
1. Even if I did this on my own, I would not recommend doing this trip alone. There is at least an hour where you’re driving on a lonely road without any signal at all.
2. Bring enough water and food.
3. Bring a map and GPS. Don’t simply rely on your phone.
4. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before starting this trip. There are no nearby gas stations along the way.
5. I would recommend having a couple of things when going on a road trip.
a)Air Compressor – For your tires. This will come in handy especially when driving on rough roads.
EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator by 100 PSI
b) Shovel – If your car gets stuck in the mud, sand, or snow this will be a lifesaver.
Iunio Military Portable Folding Shovel [31 inch Length ]and Pickax with Tactical Waist Pack 10-in-1 Army Surplus Multitool for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Trench Entrenching Tool, Car Emergency etc.
c)Flat tire repair kit – Especially if you’ll be driving on gravel roads or places without signal. This one is a lifesaver. This is also an air compressor.
Slime 70005 Safety Spair 7-Minute Flat Tire Repair System
If you would like a full list of road trip essentials, please check out my website https://nothingbutgears.com/road-trip-essentials
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I would love to hear from you.
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Beautiful wise words of advice
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Thank you 😊
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Your photos of your beautiful adventure are more like museum paintings. I hope some day that my travels will take me there. If they do, I’ll be happy for all your advice….especially not visiting alone.
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Thank you! I’m happy you like the pictures. I hope that you get to visit it too. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. 😊
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When I come back to the states I need to go! What is your favorite national park ?
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Yes you need to go. So far my favorite National Park is still Arches NP in Utah ❤️
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Nice to read your post 👍
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Thank you 😊
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Might like this:
https://www.outsideonline.com/2333391/how-big-brother-style-tech-will-save-public-lands
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Thanks. I will check it out.
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I wish I’d gotten the time to get there too. So unusual. Great pictures, Bel, and well worth the short hike.
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Next time you head to Bend – it’s worth the 2 hour drive. So quiet and not a lot of people seem to visit.
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That place looks really nice .Someday I hope to go on a similar road trip 🙂
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Thank you 😊
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Absolutely beautiful, Bel! But…I’ll pass on Overlook Trail! 😀 Great photos as always!
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Lol! Why am I not surprised? Thank you 😊
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LOL! 😂😂😜😜
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Bend really is the stepping off point for a lot of adventures.
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Yes, so much to see from there.
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Beautiful. This East coaster is praying for the day she gets to explore the West!
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Thank you. You’ll definitely love it as much as I did…😊
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Beautiful photography and great commentary. Makes me want to be there.
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Thank you! It’s easy to photograph beautiful places!
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Very hauntingly beautiful landscape.
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Hi, Cindy! It is a beautiful landscape. Thank you 😊
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I so enjoy reading your blog. Your sensitivity and humor come through in your words.
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Thank you! That is very insightful of you. Much appreciated 😊
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Wonderful colors and landscapes Bel! I’m sorry I didn’t see this when I was in Oregon.
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Now you have more reasons to come back for a visit 😊
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Ha. I like how you think Bel!
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😉
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Wow 😮..
Painted hills..
I really thought it was just your blog title..
I have never Of of such place.
So I’m really thankful that you choose to feature it in this blog and give me the pleasure of learning of its existence….
And it’s so awesome that you suggested and inform your readers of how to equipped themselves if they decided to see this amazing wonder of Oregon…
It’s really breathtaking …
Thanks so much for taking us along with you..
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It’s really an amazing place and the experience was something that will stay with me. Driving the lonely road on my own was liberating in so many ways. I’m so happy I’m able to share the experience with amazing people like you 😊
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So glad you did share your experience..😁😆😊☺️
Me ….!?????
Amazing???!!!!!🤔
I really don’t know if I can agree with that statement…
But I’m damn fabulous..
Hahahaha..☺️😊😇
And so are you….
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Love your comments! Thank you again from the bottom of my traveling heart. 😊
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Every time miss bel..
Keep that wandering sprit high.. and keep on sharing your travels to these amazing places..
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I’ll do my best ❤️
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☺️😊😌
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Very well written… Loved the way you expressed yourself… Also the list was informative… Cheers!
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Thank you! I appreciate the kind words 😊
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