Starstruck in Oregon: Unearthing the State’s Dark Sky Preserves for a Milky Way Show
[Nestled away from the picket fences and buzzing cities of Oregon, exist jewels untouched by artificial light. Oregon’s Dark Sky Preserves offer a milky blanket of stars, galaxies, meteor showers and more. As local Oregonians, we’re blessed with these pockets of untouched sky that provide the best seats in the house for some truly unsurpassed celestial theatre.
1. Pine Mountain Observatory
Set your compass towards Central Oregon to find the Pine Mountain Observatory, 34 miles southeast of Bend. Rumor has it amateur astronomers flock here for some of the cleanest and most tranquil skies. Just remember to pack a red flashlight – this helps to preserve night vision while navigating the observatory grounds.
2. Maupin
Maupin, found in the heart of Oregon, lets you mix your love of starlit skies with a love of good time. After the thrill of white-water rafting on the Deschutes River, spend your evening marveling at the universe. Your local tip—check out the Imperial River Company’s riverside lodges for a perfect viewing spot.
3. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park may need no introduction. Its serene water reflection only amplifies the drama up above. If it’s good enough for NASA to run their annual “Skyfest” stargazing event, surely it’s a keeper for us locals!
4. Fort Stevens State Park
The perfect place to balance wildlife spotting with a route to the cosmos. Located on the northwestern tip of Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park offers wide, uninterrupted views of twilight, especially around the historic shipwreck Peter Iredale.
5. Wallowa Lake State Park
This treasured piece of northeastern Oregon is an idyllic spot to take in the heavens. Wallowa Lake State Park, surrounded by moraines, is rich in Native American heritage. Don’t forget to bring some warm gear, it can get a little chilly at night.
6. Alvord Desert
A salt flat doesn’t normally sound appealing, but Alvord Desert is anything but ordinary. With near-zero light pollution, this dry lake bed provides unbroken, panoptic view to watch the Milky Way dance. Pro tip: plan an overnight camping trip to really soak in the silent astronomical drama unfolding above.
7. Steens Mountain Wilderness
Our beloved Steens Mountain Wilderness promises solitude, quiet, and most importantly, a perfect panoramic vista of the night sky. Avoid summer crowds by coming in fall. The weather’s still mild and the nights are clear.
8. Sunriver Observatory
Sunriver isn’t just for golfers. The Sunriver Observatory in southern Deschutes County has a collection of telescopes that rival many in the state. Not comfortable with stargazing tools? Don’t fret. Their knowledgeable staff is there to guide you through the starlit journey.
9. Cape Perpetua
You’ve got the ocean on the horizon and the Milky Way overhead. Honestly, could you ask for a more enchanting spot? Just South of Yachats, Cape Perpetua is popular for stargazing, especially from the aptly named “Stargazer’s Bench” on Cook’s Ridge Trail.
10. Nehalem Bay State Park
Make your way to the sandy spit located four miles south of Manzanita, and you will be at Nehalem Bay State Park. An excellent location to stargaze while listening to the distant whispers of the ocean.
We have the privilege of living in a state that fiercely protects its dark spots from modern-day light pollution. So grab a blanket, a thermos of hot cocoa, and bask in the radiant beauty of our night skies. Remember, we don’t just live under these stars, we share stories, dreams, and a oneness with the universe beneath them. Enjoy your stargazing, fellow Oregonians!