“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 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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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.
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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.
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Mesmerising view
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Thank you 😊
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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.
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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. 😊
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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!
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Okay thanks! Let me know once you post it 😊
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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! 🙂
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I will check it out! 😊
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This post earned a Bean Pat as blog pick of the day. Check it out at: https://patbean.net
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Thank you 😊 I really appreciate it 😊
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Good times! 😊
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Thanks for the reblog 😊
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Wow. The clouds even looked painted that day for you. Amazing.
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Yes the clouds surely did! Thank you 😊
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So beautiful
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Thank you 😊
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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).
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Yes, please share it with your husband’s aunt – there are so many beautiful places in Oregon. Thank you!
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well done nice blog very interesting and very informative.
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Thank you 😊
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The painted hills? Never even knew they existed. Thanks for sharing
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Thank you 😊
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We’re craving a good road trip – tomorrow sounds like a good day for one! 😀
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It’s always a good idea to go on a road trip 👍😊
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Excellent images and information.
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Thank you! 😊
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Thank you!
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Great pictures and beautifully written.
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Thank you 😊
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Welcome
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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.
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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. 😊
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sounds like a place to visit.
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Definitely a great place. Thanks! 😊
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Great images. Thanks
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You’re welcome 😊
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Thank you for sharing this.
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You’re welcome 😊
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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.
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Thank you. There are so many beautiful places to explore. I just love nature and the peace it brings me.
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Beautiful Photos! I had no idea the painted hills even existed!
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Thank you. I only found out about it when I was researching about Oregon. It’s really stunning 😊
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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.
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Yes, it is an amazing gadget to have. Thanks for sharing. 😊
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Oh, I also thought of a compact jumper for jumping batteries.
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That’s on my longer list on the link. It comes in so handy 😊
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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/
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I’ve always wanted a motorcycle. You inspire me 😊
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Do it!
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Tempting 😂
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I’m not enough of an off-roader to attempt this…yet! Thanks for the pics to share this amazing spot!
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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. 😊
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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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