The Painted Forest of Oma is one of the Basque Country’s best kept secrets.

On our most recent trip to Spain we did a road trip in the Basque Country (Euskadi, in Basque) from Bilbao to San Sebastián with a couple of stops along the way. Among our favorites was the Painted Forest of Oma, located in the natural reserve of Urdaibai, near the town of Kortezubi.

Not our exact route, but a general idea of where we were. Screenshot taken from Google Maps.

This hidden outside gallery was painted by Agustín Ibarrola back in 1984, and still remains quiet and tucked away from the masses.

We parked our car in the lot by the Lezika restaurant and began our hike southeast on the trail that heads up into the mountains. There were signs pointing both southeast on the trail and east on the road that said “Bosque Pintado de Oma” which was a bit misleading, so we chose the trail option and were happily rewarded with a lovely 30-45min hike surrounded by soaring pines and ferns before we reached the Painted Forest.

We parked at the top left of the map and hiked the trail as marked by the red line up to the forest. Screen shot taken from Google Maps.

Jacob is always a wonderful model

Almost there!

Although it was a bit overcast, it was a gorgeous day to hike

Finally made it!

Once you arrive you’ll find a stationary map marking the image locations, and for more guidance there are yellow triangular markers on the ground which you should stand at to see the image properly.

Map of the Painted Forest. Please excuse the glare -- it was unavoidable.

Viewpoint marker

Ibarrola used strokes of color on multiple trees at different depths, and by standing at a particular point one can see the image take shape.

The images start simple -- lips

Square

A look from the other side shows a different perspective

Gradually, more and more images reveal themselves.

My personal favorite is the rainbow, extending across countless trees.

Everywhere you look, there's something else to see.

The forest is watching.

Can you find Jacob? He's teeny tiny next to those trees!

My favorite hiking partner

That view!

We were so relieved to only come across a small handful of people the entire 45 minutes or so that we wandered through the Painted Forest. After taking it all in, we continued down the path through the forest until we reached what is technically the “entrance.” At that point we thought we’d seen it all — but nay! We headed west on the road through the valley with picturesque views of the kelly green farmlands, livestock, and traditional Basque houses of white stone, red or brown trim, and flowers decorating the windowsills.

The "entrance" -- our exit

Among the few scattered houses was also a tiny, quaint church.

At the door of the church

Peering inside

They're hard to see, but scattered across that hill are some baby goats!

From the forest to the car, the walk was about an hour or so. We might have passed all of 5 cars walking back. It was a serene, peaceful ending to our hike.

Love the view and the one I get to take with me! ;)

HEY! We also made a video!

We’ll be bringing you future posts on Bilbao, San Sebastián, and our stops in between. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to see you in the future! Please upvote, resteem, or comment if you like what you see!

The Painted Forest of Oma - Basque Country