Best Places to Stargaze in Oregon: 2025 Guide
Welcome to the great state of Oregon, where nature reigns supreme and the night sky comes alive with countless stars. Thanks to small-town charms, vast open areas, and less light pollution than in bigger metropolitan areas, Oregon offers some of the best stargazing spots in the Pacific Northwest, if not the whole country. Let’s take a celestial tour, shall we?
1. Crater Lake National Park
Considered a haven for stargazers, Crater Lake National Park offers an unobstructed view of the night sky that is absolutely humbling. If you’re looking to couple stargazing with a bit of adventure, the park has clear trails, such as the Watchman Peak Trail, that lead to vantage points. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, and enjoy an encounter with the cosmos.2. Alvord Desert
The flat, unobstructed plains of the Alvord Desert make it an ideal location for stargazing. The fact that it’s one of the driest places in Oregon ensures you’ll likely have clear skies to view heavenly bodies. Keep an eye on the Burn’s BLM website for updates on road conditions before you go.
3. Maupin
This unsuspecting town on the Deschutes River boasts some excellent stargazing spots. The local Deschutes River State Recreation Area is an excellent choice for stargazers, with park rangers often arranging astronomy events.4. Oregon Observatory at Sunriver
The Oregon Observatory offers the largest collection of telescopes open to the public in the US. The folks there share fascinating knowledge about the stars, and often allow you to take a direct peek through their top-notch equipment. Take note of their public stargazing schedule on their website.5. Steens Mountain Wilderness
Journey to Steens Mountain Wilderness, one of the grandest landscapes in Oregon, where the thin, clean air allows for pristine viewing conditions. Take the Steens Mountain Loop Road by day to explore, then set up at one of the campgrounds like South Steens for nighttime wonder.6. Wallowa Lake State Park
Nestled at the base of the Wallowa Mountains, the Wallowa Lake State Park offers enchanting night skies. If you fancy a star-filled getaway, consider staying at the Wallowa Lake Lodge that often arranges stargazing events for their guests.7. Ochoco National Forest
The light pollution-free skies of the Ochoco National Forest let the Milky Way truly shine. Consider staying overnight at the Ochoco Divide Campground for an extended astronomical treat.8. Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Situated along the John Day River, Cottonwood Canyon State Park is one of the darkest spots in Oregon with a massive sky dome. Visit in summer or fall when there’s less cloud cover for optimal stargazing.9. Pine Mountain Observatory
Operated by the University of Oregon, Pine Mountain Observatory is committed to public astronomy education. They host summer star parties where you can enjoy the beauty of the night sky with fellow enthusiasts.10. Smith Rock State Park
While known for climbing, Smith Rock State Park also offers amazing stargazing opportunities. Twilight hikes can be a great way to take in the stunning terrestrial landscapes before settling down for a feast of stars.Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer, an aspiring astronomer, or just someone seeking to reconnect with the natural world, we hope this list will guide you to look heavenward and marvel at the spectacle of lights overhead. Remember, in Oregon, every night holds the possibility of an extraordinary stellar experience. Keep your eyes on the skies!