“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.
Disclosure: Please be aware I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no additional cost to you. Please read Amazon Affiliate Disclosure and Disclosures
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 Amazon page
https://www.amazon.com/shop/roadsbeltravelled #AmazonInfluencer
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I would love to hear from you.
Please feel free to add me on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The link is found at the bottom of my page.
I absolutely love all your photography and really enjoyed reading this 🍃😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoying your words & imagery. You have the right idea, hiking solo – that’s the best. Painted Hills looks beautiful, reminds of the painted desert here in Arizona. Oregon has a lot to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah! Love being alone with nature. The best feeling ever – it also helps to have amazing sceneries along the way 😊 I love Arizona too. So much to explore as well.
LikeLike
Mesmerising view
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
I know what you mean about wanting to photograph deer but instead just looking in awe. I never tire of seeing deer, even though I see them almost every day. There was a herd of eight of them around the corner from my home yesterday. I whipped out my camera and video recorded them for the umpteenth time, to re-enjoy at whim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so lucky. I don’t get to see them often. I’ve seen a bear too but I just got out of their way and stared at them from a very safe distance. I wish I remember to use my camera next time. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh, bears, those are more exciting to see than deer, perhaps because of their thinner population, but maybe also because of their element of danger. I videoed a brief blip of a couple cubs last summer a quarter mile from my home. They are elusive and afraid of being caught on camera, heh heh!
If I can figure out how to do it, I will upload some video footage of deer to a post on my blog. Off I go to try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay thanks! Let me know once you post it 😊
LikeLike
I just posted a brief entry on the black bears, with a short video clip. Will try to get the deer video on next, but duties are calling for now so my fun time on WordPress is over for now! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will check it out! 😊
LikeLike
This post earned a Bean Pat as blog pick of the day. Check it out at: https://patbean.net
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊 I really appreciate it 😊
LikeLike
Good times! 😊
LikeLike
Thanks for the reblog 😊
LikeLike
Wow. The clouds even looked painted that day for you. Amazing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes the clouds surely did! Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
So beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
Looks like a beautiful place to visit. My husband’s aunt recently moved to Oregon. I will email her your blog link (we don’t do social media).
LikeLike
Yes, please share it with your husband’s aunt – there are so many beautiful places in Oregon. Thank you!
LikeLike
well done nice blog very interesting and very informative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
The painted hills? Never even knew they existed. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
We’re craving a good road trip – tomorrow sounds like a good day for one! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a good idea to go on a road trip 👍😊
LikeLike
Excellent images and information.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pictures and beautifully written.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a beautiful place. I hope to go back. There used to be gas across the street from the hotel just down the road. Big guy in a mosquito cage with a chopping block, an axe, and a big heart. I have no idea if it’s still there. My favourite gas station of all time, though.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I didn’t see it. I had enough gas so I didn’t have to look for a station when I was in the area. You’re right. It is a beautiful place even if it’s really out of the way. 😊
LikeLike
sounds like a place to visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a great place. Thanks! 😊
LikeLike
Great images. Thanks
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me want to explore more of your country I would love to call home. Your photographs emphasize the wild beauty. I look forward to reading more of your adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. There are so many beautiful places to explore. I just love nature and the peace it brings me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful Photos! I had no idea the painted hills even existed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. I only found out about it when I was researching about Oregon. It’s really stunning 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
When I am off and alone like this, I also take a SPOT GPS tracker. It can send a signal with your GPS coordinates to people using the GPS system, which is always available unless you’re underground. It can send check-ins, non-emergency help calls and emergency rescue signals depending on the button pushed.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes, it is an amazing gadget to have. Thanks for sharing. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, I also thought of a compact jumper for jumping batteries.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s on my longer list on the link. It comes in so handy 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha! I totally missed that link. Here was my gear for my cross country motorcycle trip. I was really limited by space, so I had to boil myself down to the essentials. However, your list inspired me to consider the compact pump.
http://noreturnticket.kceridon.com/gearing-up-so-much-stuff/
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve always wanted a motorcycle. You inspire me 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Do it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Tempting 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not enough of an off-roader to attempt this…yet! Thanks for the pics to share this amazing spot!
LikeLiked by 2 people
No, you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle. It’s just preferred to have at least a high clearance vehicle but even a regular car will be okay as long as your tires are in good condition. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful wise words of advice
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 3 people
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. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I come back to the states I need to go! What is your favorite national park ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you need to go. So far my favorite National Park is still Arches NP in Utah ❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice to read your post 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Might like this:
https://www.outsideonline.com/2333391/how-big-brother-style-tech-will-save-public-lands
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I will check it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I’d gotten the time to get there too. So unusual. Great pictures, Bel, and well worth the short hike.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Next time you head to Bend – it’s worth the 2 hour drive. So quiet and not a lot of people seem to visit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That place looks really nice .Someday I hope to go on a similar road trip 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 😊
LikeLike
Absolutely beautiful, Bel! But…I’ll pass on Overlook Trail! 😀 Great photos as always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol! Why am I not surprised? Thank you 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! 😂😂😜😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bend really is the stepping off point for a lot of adventures.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, so much to see from there.
LikeLike
Beautiful. This East coaster is praying for the day she gets to explore the West!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. You’ll definitely love it as much as I did…😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photography and great commentary. Makes me want to be there.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! It’s easy to photograph beautiful places!
LikeLike
Very hauntingly beautiful landscape.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi, Cindy! It is a beautiful landscape. Thank you 😊
LikeLike
I so enjoy reading your blog. Your sensitivity and humor come through in your words.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you! That is very insightful of you. Much appreciated 😊
LikeLike
Wonderful colors and landscapes Bel! I’m sorry I didn’t see this when I was in Oregon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now you have more reasons to come back for a visit 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha. I like how you think Bel!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLike
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..
LikeLiked by 3 people
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 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
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….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love your comments! Thank you again from the bottom of my traveling heart. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Every time miss bel..
Keep that wandering sprit high.. and keep on sharing your travels to these amazing places..
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll do my best ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺️😊😌
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well written… Loved the way you expressed yourself… Also the list was informative… Cheers!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I appreciate the kind words 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person