Pillars of Rome — Attraction in Melba

The community of Rome in Malheur County received its name from the imposing nearby formations of fossil-bearing clay that look like Roman ruins. The 100-foot high formations, which are also known as the “Pillars of Rome,” measure about five miles long and two miles wide. These strange white bluffs, stand near the Owyhee crossing and were a landmark to pioneers traveling the Oregon Trail reminding them of the structures of ancient Rome. For the rafting and white water enthusiast, Rome is the entry point for a great ride down the wild & scenic Owyhee River past beautiful canyons, wildflowers, and wildlife.

This is mostly a quick stop a mile off the highway on a dirt road. There is a single sign off the highway, no signs once on the dirt road. There is also no cell service through much of the area.

Can see this not being everyone's cup of tea for various reasons like it being on private property, mostly cows hanging around, no restroom, no other type of attraction...

I have wanted to see this place for a few years and was a bit disappointed. The fence didn't allow me to get as close as I wanted and the pillars are pretty far away. With the pillars so far back off the road and them being fenced off we could have driven right past them. "Zoom with your feet" didn't quite work here. It was cool to look at but a bit of a disappointment to photograph. My partner was in a hurry so a bit more scouting time I'm sure would have led to better results however I still would have liked to get closer.

Keep on the lookout. There is only the one sign on the main road pointing in the direction towards the pillars. Once in the farmland on the gravel roads there are no more signs telling you what turns to take. GPS comes in handy here.

There is an airplane that the farmers use back in there. If you get lucky like we did you may see them taking off from the main...

All in the eye of the beholder

Geologically, this is probably a "little known gem" among people who study study these things. Visually, it's a "MEH" for those adventurous souls looking for an off-the-beaten-path excursion. The reality is, you cannot go roaming around these formations because they are located on private property behind fences clearly mark NO TRESPASSING. A dirt road takes you there which is about 1-2 miles from the forlorn highway threading through Jordan Valley. Not a lot of photographic, visual, hiking, hands-on value here. However, if you're not the type to be disappointed after a short off trail drive, it's worth the chortle when...