Modern city lights have obscured the night sky for many. Since 2016, it is estimated nearly 80% of North America’s population can no longer view the Milky Way from their homes due to light pollution.
Central Oregon’s clear night skies, often showcasing the Milky Way as a breathtaking masterpiece, are no accident. The region’s High Desert environment and commitment to preserving dark skies create a stargazing experience like few others. This dedication has earned Central Oregon Astro Tourism a spot in the 2023 Sunset Travel Awards as one of the West’s “Best Adventures and Explorations.”
Central Oregon’s vast open spaces and concerted efforts to limit light pollution keep the skies cerulean by day and inky black by night.
The region boasts two International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)-certified areas: Sunriver and Prineville Reservoir State Park. Three other locations — the City of Sisters, Black Butte Ranch, and Pine Mountain Observatory — are also pursuing IDA Dark-Sky Places certification. Additionally, the region serves as a gateway to the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, a 2.5 million-acre area in Southeastern Oregon, the largest of its kind globally.
DarkSky International and DarkSky Oregon are pivotal in preserving these dark skies and mitigating light pollution’s harmful effects through outreach, advocacy, and conservation. DarkSky Oregon’s “Got Stars, Central Oregon?” project, supported by a Visit Central Oregon Future Fund grant, involves a consortium of nine organizations dedicated to educating residents and visitors about the ecological and economic value of dark skies.
Observatory Opportunities
Central Oregon boasts one of the largest concentrations of publicly accessible observatories in the U.S., including Pine Mountain Observatory and Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory.
The Hopservatory at Worthy Brewing merges stargazing with craft beer, while the newly opened Asterisk Observatory at The Spot in Smith Rock offers nightly viewings through a 17-inch PlaneWave telescope. Dee Wright Observatory is another unique site for celestial observations.
Dark Skies
Sunriver’s 2020 “Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction” designation made it the first in Oregon and one of just 142 worldwide at the time. Prineville Reservoir State Park, certified in 2021 as an “International Dark-Sky Park,” is recognized for its exceptional night skies, responsible lighting efforts, and light pollution education.
Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary
The Oregon Outback Dark Sky Network began establishing a landscape-level International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
Certified by Dark Sky International, this 2.5 million-acre area in Lake County sits within the largest contiguous dark sky zone in the lower 48 states. It is a short drive from Bend and accessible via Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), which offers direct service to major Western hubs.
Oregon Star Party
Held annually since 1987, the Oregon Star Party attracts up to 1,000 stargazers to the Ochoco National Forest each July. The region is known for having the darkest skies of any major star party in the contiguous U.S.
The star party, or novice stargazer gathering, boasts notable astronomy speakers, a telescope park, observing programs, astrophotography, youth activities, and more.
Unique Stargazing Opportunities
Cove Palisades State Park provides a stunning backdrop for amateur astronomers. Wanderlust Tours in Bend offers seasonal stargazing opportunities — Moonlight & Starlight Snowshoe Tours in winter, warm weather Starlight & Moonlight Canoe Tours, and special events like the Perseids Meteor Shower Canoe Tour on August 11.
Central Oregon invites stargazers, astronomers, and lovers of the cosmos to experience its unparalleled night skies. Whether camping under the stars, attending guided stargazing events, or simply enjoying the night’s tranquility, Central Oregon promises an unforgettable celestial journey. Here, the skies rarely disappoint.
Tips From a Professional To Nail Your Milky Way Photos
Photographing the Milky Way and deep space are among the most exhilarating photography opportunities, as cameras can capture what the human eye cannot.
Even in the darkest of skies, I still marvel at my images on the LCD screen. It’s a humbling experience that allows spectators to better connect with the universe at large.
When Is Milky Way Season?
You can always see a portion of the Milky Way, but its photogenic core rises above the horizon line from mid-March into October.
Tripod
A tripod is a must for any night photography. Without stability, images will blur and show movement, ruining the shot from the get-go.
Focus
Cameras won’t autofocus while shooting the Milky Way. To correct this, move your lens to manual focus. Then, zoom in on a bright star. Now, adjust your focus until you get a clear view.
Don’t touch your focus dial for the rest of the night, or you’ll have to redo the process.
Settings
Settings differ depending on the camera, lens, and image processing, but star appearance can inform your next steps.
Look at a nearby star — if you see trails, dial back your camera’s shutter speed.
Shutter Speed: 15 secondsAperture: f/2.8 (or your lowest)ISO: 2,500-5,000 (newer cameras can raise their ISO with fewer effects than older models)Turn on your two-second timer so you decrease any shake when you press your shutter release button.
Camera and Lens
While higher-quality cameras and lenses produce better work, smartphones can capture the Milky Way if you put them on a stand and set the exposure to at least 10 seconds.
I shoot using a Canon R5 and recommend going with as wide a lens as you have and one with a low aperture level. My 16-35mm lens with an f/2.8 lets in more light (wide aperture), keeping me from bumping up my ISO and adding unwanted grain.
The photo will look nice on camera, but a Lightroom edit can elevate the scene.
Apps
Apps like PhotoPills allow celestial photographers to easily locate and snap the Milky Way using AR. Additionally, the app’s helpful photo tips can enhance user photography.
What Else To Bring
Even in the summer months, it’ll get chilly at night. Bring a blanket, jacket, chair, light source, snacks, and water.
In case of emergencies, inform loved ones of your location and when you will return.
