Miranda’s Story

Miranda Allen is a park guide at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Eastern Oregon. With hundreds visiting daily, she’s ready to answer any question a curious visitor has about the area’s natural and cultural history.

Allen grew up in Southern California where a high school field trip to the La Brea Tar Pits first sparked her interest in fossils. But it was volunteering at a local aquarium that made Allen pursue a career in park service. After graduating college with an environmental studies degree, she interned at the Lava Beds National Monument, before landing in John Day.

Whether it’s recommending a hiking trail, or awarding a junior ranger a badge, Allen loves interacting with different people and working in an area with a rich 40-million year fossil record.

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to really see guests have that ‘aha moment’… that ‘wow moment’. When I give a program and I ask questions and really get them to think about the fossils and the history here, I’m helping them realizing, ‘wow, this, this place is really special!’

Miranda’s Story

Get In Touch

Got a story idea? Or want to reach out for additional educational opportunities? Fill out the form below!

A collaboration between the Journalistic Learning Initiative, the Oregon Department of Education and the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication