Gazing Up in Oregon: The State’s Dark Sky Preserves and the Milky Way
There’s a unique charm to the night sky in Oregon. When city lights fade and the stars take center stage, the beauty of the Milky Way becomes a spectacle that you simply cannot miss. For all the stargazers and cosmic enthusiasts out there, here are the top 10 places in Oregon you’ll want to visit to marvel at our Dark Sky Preserves and get a front-row seat to the galaxy’s magnificence.1. Pine Mountain Observatory
Located just 26 miles southeast of Bend, the Pine Mountain Observatory features celestial views that will leave you awestruck. Your best bet for a stellar experience is to visit during the summer months, when clear skies prevail. The observatory’s location, elevated and away from urban light pollution, makes it an ideal spot to gaze upon the Milky Way in all its glory.2. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park isn’t just home to Oregon’s deepest lake but also some of the darkest nights in the state. With its high elevation and minimal light pollution, the park is perfect for a night under the stars. Don’t forget to bundle up though. It can get quite chilly, even in the summer.3. Sunriver Resort
Nestled in the heart of Central Oregon, Sunriver Resort provides guests with more than just comfortable accommodations. It’s also a stellar locale for stargazing, courtesy of the Oregon Observatory located within the resort. Expect powerful telescopes that will give you a close look at the Milky Way’s river of stars.
4. Ochoco National Forest
For an out-of-the-box camping adventure, Ochoco National Forest should be on your radar. Not commonly known to tourists, this untouched beauty near Prineville offers a tranquil location to quietly watch the heavens. Set up camp near Walton Lake for great views.5. Smith Rock State Park
With its landmark rock formations during the day and breathtaking skies at night, Smith Rock State Park checks all the boxes for a well-rounded Oregon adventure. After a day of hiking, set up your blanket, lean back, and let the Milky Way render you speechless.6. Painted Hills
Don’t let the remote location fool you, the Painted Hills of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are a sight for sore eyes and not just during the day. At dusk, when the human trail has thinned out, the dark skies open up to a view of the Milky Way that is postcard-perfect.7. Maupin City Park
Renowned for its white water rafting, Maupin also boasts a phenomenal nocturnal tableau. Maupin City Park, located on the banks of the Deschutes River, lacks heavy light pollution, thus offering a clear stage for the stars to shine.8. Wallowa Lake
Trek to the northeastern corner of Oregon to discover Wallowa Lake’s unrivaled charm. Surrounded by the Wallowa Mountains, the lake shows another face at twilight as the Milky Way dances across the vast canvas overhead. It’s worth making the journey to experience this spectacle.9. Silver Falls State Park
Even though it’s known for its waterfall trails, the park is also a hidden gem for stargazing. Due to limited light pollution, the stars twinkle brighter here, drawing a clear path for the Milky Way across the sky.10. Sage Hen Reservoir
Located southwest of Ontario, Sage Hen Reservoir’s remote nature makes it an outlier but also a prime stargazing spot. Pack some warm clothes and camp overnight to see the vast constellations and the Milky Way, unhindered by light pollution.So, there you have it – 10 stellar locations in Oregon to view the Milky Way. Regardless of which part of the state you call home, there’s a dark sky preserve nearby, waiting to thrill you with cosmic wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or simply curious about the night sky, don’t miss experiencing the universe from our beautiful Oregon. Be sure to capture these moments in your heart because, as they say, ‘starry skies are the best kind of beautiful.’