Best Places to Stargaze in Oregon: 2025 Guide

Hey, fellow Oregonians! As light pollution recedes and our awareness of nature’s splendors grow, stargazing has become more than a hobby – it’s our heritage. Here in Oregon, we are blessed with some of the darkest skies, letting us take in the heavens as our ancestors may have done, on clear and sparkling nights tucked away in our unique corners. Grab your astronomy apps, a cozy blanket, and prepare to be awed by the magnificence of the Milky Way. Here are ten of the best places to stargaze in our beautiful state.

1. Pine Mountain Observatory

Perched high in the high desert of Central Oregon, Pine Mountain Observatory offers exceptionally dark skies. The community and the University of Oregon have gone to great lengths to set aside this area for astronomical observation, making it an ideal choice for stargazers.

2. Saddle Mountain State Park

Hiking to the top of Saddle Mountain on a clear night is a memory you won’t forget! Its elevation and distance from major cities create astonishingly clear skies. Just don’t forget to bring a red flashlight to keep your night vision sharp.

3. Rooster Rock State Park

Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, Rooster Rock State Park is a low-key yet stunning place to catch a glimpse of the cosmos. Check the schedule for the Rose City Astronomers club, who often host star parties here.

4. Steens Mountain Wilderness

At Steens Mountain Wilderness, the altitude and dry climate work in tandem to provide perfect stargazing conditions. Spend a few days camping here to acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy multiple nights contemplating the cosmos.

5. Smith Rock State Park

Famous for its vaulting rock formations, Smith Rock State Park offers a rather unique stargazing experience. The towering cliffs make for a striking contrast against the star-studded night sky.

6. Wallowa Lake

Wallowa Lake offers a serene setting for stargazing. Maximize your experience by renting a paddleboat at the Wallowa Lake Marina and floating away from the shore’s lights.

7. Cape Perpetua

For coastal starry views, Cape Perpetua is joyously unbeatable. On the right night, you might even catch the bioluminescent waves alongside the wash of the Milky Way.

8. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area

The depth of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area not only shields you from light pollution but also offers an incredible view of the heavens arcing overhead. Check out the Hells Canyon Astronomical Society for stargazing events.

9. Maupin City Park

Tucked in Central Oregon, Maupin City Park is truly stellar. You’ll find this little gem along the Deschutes River, an ideal spot for a mix of camping, fishing, and, of course, stargazing.

10. Crater Lake National Park

Cherished for its clear blue lake, Crater Lake National Park is also a fantastic stargazing spot. The park often hosts ranger-led stargazing programs during the summer months.

So that’s the list, my friends. For all their dazzling beauty, the stars ask only for your time. So next clear night, head out to one of these fantastic Oregon locations, look skyward, and lose yourself in the vastness of the cosmos, for the universe, like our beautiful state, is meant to be savored. Happy stargazing!