Last fall we stayed at the BW in John Day, toured 2 of the 3 Painted Hills units, took 3 one mile or so hikes in those 2 units and spent about an hour and a half at the wonderful interpretive center, very interesting information, really could have stayed all day at the 2 units but we end the day with dinner in Bend and stayed all night at the McMenimams(sp). The BW in JohnDay was a typical AAA 3 star BW, very comfortable.

I would not stay in Mitchell, Prineville or John Day maybe both would be better.

Seattle??, do you have a bigger trip planned?

Echo here for the Prineville or John Day sentiments.

Unfortunetly/fortunetly Painted Hills along ways from decent lodging options as far as I know.

If you do stay in the John Day BW- its been my experience that it useually fills up by 5-6pm no matter if it is a weekend/weekday(because decent lodging options are few and far between in this area). So if you are considering this option you might want to make reservations.

This is a bit late for an answer, but here is my experience with the John Day area. The Bridge Creek Flora Inn in Fossil is very nice, we stayed there in April and enjoyed the place, Drove to the Painted Hills the next day, and made a quick check of Mitchell to see if there was a gas station. No. Old sets of pumps with cobwebs, "they closed 4 years ago- I think" was a porch-sitter's reply to our inquiry. So, be sure to top off your tank before you head out of Fossil. Our breakfast was so huge that we skipped lunch. Coming from Seattle you can go over Snoqualmie Pass via I-90, take Hwy 97 thru Goldendale and down by Maryhill, crossing the Columbia River at Biggs Junction and heading over to Condon and Fossil. Or you can cross at The Dalles and head out from there. If you are into museums, don't miss Maryhill Museum. A real class place. Rodin sculpture. Loie Fuller. Queen Marie. Alma Spreckels. Peacocks.

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