Best Places to Stargaze in Oregon: 2025 Guide
Oregon–a paradise of dark skies, crystal-clear nights, and endless natural beauty. Our beloved Beaver State offers opportunities to stargaze that are the envy of star lovers worldwide. Let’s take a night journey through Oregon’s top 10 stargazing spots that let us feel connected to the celestial magnificence above us.1. Pine Mountain Observatory
Sitting high in the Central Oregon desert, just 26 miles southeast of Bend, this observatory is run by the University of Oregon. Its location away from city lights makes it an ideal locale for gazing at the night sky. Check out their stargazing nights and view deep space objects through their powerful telescopes.2. Maupin
Perched on a high desert plateau, this small Oregon town offers clear night views making it a popular stargazing spot. Grab a local burger from Riverside Grill, set up a blanket by the Deschutes River, and marvel at the clarity of the night sky.3. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake, with its deep blue waters and uninterrupted sky view, is a stargazing dream, especially from the Watchman Overlook. Imagine the breathtaking spectacle of stars reflecting on the mirror-like lake surface!
4. Alvord Desert’s Playa
This dried lake bed in Southeast Oregon is tradition and innovation combined. Known for hosting annual Rocket meets, the Playa offers not only a perfect backdrop for the night sky but also a chance to meet some of the kindest adventurers you’ll encounter.5. Wallowa Lake
Nestled in Oregon’s “Little Switzerland,” the idyllic Wallowa Lake boasts unrivaled views of the night sky due to its distinctive remote location and clear, pollution-free air. Cozy up at the Wallowa Lake Lodge for the night, with the sky as your ceiling.6. Cape Blanco
For coastal stargazing, head west till you can’t anymore and you’ll reach Cape Blanco, the westernmost point in Oregon. With only the hardy Cape Blanco Lighthouse for company, feel the synergy of the ocean-and-sky theater that the great Pacific puts on after dusk.7. Mount Bachelor
In winter, head up to the Summit Lift at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. As you ascend, be ready to have your breath taken away by the majestic unhindered panorama of stars against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks.8. Steens Mountain
This towering fault-block mountain in Eastern Oregon’s high desert provides some of the darkest skies for stargazing. For an unforgettable experience, stay overnight at Jackman Park campground and get lost in galaxies far, far away.9. Smith Rock State Park
Just northeast of Redmond lies a rock climber’s paradise that doubles as a stargazing landmark. After a day of climbing, set out your sleeping bag and under millions of stars, let the stark rock formations earn their moniker, “The Cradle of American Climbing.”10. John Day Fossil Beds, Clarno Unit
The least-visited of the John Day Fossil Beds, the Clarno Unit offers a remarkable stargazing setting, flanked by the iconic Palisades cliffs. Spend a quiet evening under the stars for a uniquely Oregon experience.Just like countless stars in the night sky, there are innumerable experiences waiting for you in Oregon. So grab that telescope, load up the camper, and immerse yourself in the wonder of the cosmos brought to you by Oregon skies. Don’t forget to wish upon a shooting star as it streaks across our beautiful Beaver State!