Oregon is for dreamers. It’s a place that instills a deep love of the natural world, inspiring adventure and fueling wanderlust. While there are numerous parks and destinations in Oregon that offer sublime sensory experiences, there’s one Oregon State Park that truly is out of this world. Near Bend, Prineville Reservoir State Park is the first Oregon State Park to be a designated Dark Sky Park, and the views here are positively perfect. Come and spend an evening stargazing at Prineville Reservoir State Park, and be prepared to marvel at the wide and wondrous world.
Oregon has numerous places to admire the stars; Crater Lake is a popular and well-known spot for stargazers.
International Dark-Sky Association - Oregon Chapter/Facebook
But there’s another place in the Beaver State that offers sublime stargazing that’s truly unrivaled…
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…and that’s Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Jesse Atchison/Google Local
When the sun sets on this high desert park, the skies seem to go on forever.
Brad Marlin/Google Local
The stars truly shine brighter here, in fact, with Prineville earning the park a rare designation as a certified International Dark Sky Park. The certification recognizes the quality of the park’s night skies, as well as the park’s efforts to install responsible lighting that minimizes light pollution.
Oregon State Parks
And indeed, when you come here to stargaze, the infinite universe seems to unfold right before your eyes.
Oregon State Parks/Facebook
If you’re staying the night, don’t forget to check the park calendar for scheduled night sky programs. And if you’re coming in for the evening only, be sure to print an official Stargazing Permit to put on your vehicle dash when you’re viewing the stars after hours in the designated day-use area.
Brad Marlin/Google Local
Prineville Reservoir State Park has it all: epic recreation by day, and stellar (pun intended!) stargazing by night. Camping is available all year-round, and you can learn more and reserve a spot at the Oregon State Parks website.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Have you visited Prineville Reservoir State Park for stargazing before? This really is something for every Oregonian’s bucket list!
International Dark-Sky Association - Oregon Chapter/Facebook
Liana Jensen/Google Local
Jesse Atchison/Google Local
Brad Marlin/Google Local
Oregon State Parks
Oregon State Parks/Facebook
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Another pristine place for stargazing is, of course, Crater Lake. This National Park really does have it all!
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Address: Prineville Reservoir State Park, Prineville, OR 97754, USA
