Blue Basin Overlook Trail
An employee at the Fossil Mercantile, in Fossil Oregon, highly recommended that we stop at the Blue Basin Overlook Trail for a hike on our way to John Day. She said it is a fascinating area to hike and explore. The Blue Basin is located on Highway 26 near Dayville, Oregon.
Arriving in the parking lot, the terrain and surroundings look like all the areas we just drove through. A hiker who just returned to the parking lot commented that once we turned the corner on the trail, we would be in awe. We secured the bikes and off we went.
There were two trails to choose from. The longer one, Blue Basin Overlook Trail, leads you to overlook the Basin and the John Day River Valley. The shorter trail, Island in Time Trail, leads you through the center of the Basin where you can explore fossil exhibits. We chose the Island in Time Trail.
Breathtaking
The trail from the parking lot started as a climb up the to the Basin. The trail wound its way along the creek bed and around sagebrush and juniper. Then you turn that corner and are in awe. The Basin walls turn to a spectacular blue-green color. The trail, the creek bed, and the Basin walls are all this beautiful color. There are grated bridges spanning areas over the creek bed. Exhibits of fossils can be studied along the way.
The Island in Time Trail ends at a level area where you are surrounded by the towering blue-green walls…and of course an End Of Trail Sign. A must see stop if you are in the area. Allow about an hour to make the round trip. Absolutely spectacular and more than worth it!!