Are you an astrotourist? On a past visit to Central Oregon, have you noticed that the stars shine extra brightly from our dark skies? Have you and your family stepped outside of your cozy lodging and gazed up at the Milky Way or the full moon glinting from the heavens? Or maybe you’ve made a special trip to the Hopservatory at Worthy Brewing or the Oregon Observatory at the Sunriver Nature Center. If so, you, my friend, are an astrotourist.
Astrotourism, or dark sky tourism, is simply tourism that focuses on sky-related tourism activities. These can include stargazing, astrophotography, chasing eclipses and auroras, and visiting facilities related to astronomy, like observatories and planetariums.
Since the invention of artificial light use at night, such as streetlights, porchlights, headlights, etc., the natural darkness of night has become an increasingly scarce resource. Notably, it’s estimated that 80% of Americans and 33% of all humanity can no longer see the Milky Way from home.
Enter the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), an organization founded to celebrate and protect the night sky around the world as a shared heritage benefitting all living things. IDA’s purpose is to protect the night from light pollution through education and leadership.
In recent years, the IDA has recognized four of Central Oregon communities as designated Dark Sky Destinations; the communities of Sunriver, Sisters, Antelope and Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Celebrating, protecting and visiting dark sky areas is a growing worldwide phenomenon. Read on to see why Central Oregon is the prime spot to experience the wonders of the night skies.
Why the Skies are So Dark Outside of Bend
Central Oregon’s night skies are suited to stargazing for several reasons: The region’s high elevation brings us that much closer to the cosmos, there’s little light pollution to wash out the night sky (more on that soon), our clear skies mean celestial wonders aren’t hidden behind clouds, and it’s easy to get away from city lights—and to where the skies are clearer.
Many communities in Central Oregon have also taken measures to improve or eliminate artificial light at night. Poor artificial light at night can disrupt the growth of trees and crops, as well as the cycles of pollinators like bees and moths. It can also attract unwelcome species or disrupt the migrations patterns of birds and other mammals, as well as disrupting the habits of nocturnal animals.
Too much poor light at night isn’t good for humans, either. It can interrupt our sleep patterns and circadian rhythms and even contribute to disease. As we’ve become more aware, the work to preserve night skies as a way to contribute to the conservation of all species and their ecosystems is on the rise. Dark sky tourism checks all the boxes of what is known as sustainable travel—travel which aims to sustain or enhance the geographical character of a place, including its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well-being of residents.
Photo courtesy of Grant Tandy.
Stargazing at Central Oregon’s Observatories
As dark skies become less common around the globe, places with great dark skies are increasingly recognized as destinations. Central Oregon is blessed with some of the best dark sky destinations, a fact verified by the IDA, which designated the first two International Dark Sky places in Oregon right here in the center of the state.
Here are a few more Central Oregon dark sky destinations to prioritize on your next visit to Bend and Central Oregon.
Sunriver Observatory
The IDA’s first dark-sky honor in Oregon was the community of Sunriver, designated in 2020 as a Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction.
Sunriver’s forested area cut through by the Deschutes River south of Bend is ideal for night sky viewing, as well as home to the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory,where exhibits and interpretive events support a mission to “inspire present and future generations to cherish and understand our natural world.” The Oregon Observatory at Sunriver includes three-dozen telescopes, and seasonal nighttime interpretive events provide amateur astronomers with expert assistance to obtain a glimpse of planets and galaxies far, far away.
Dee Wright Observatory
Located just a few miles outside of Sisters, Oregon, which was newly appointed as a verified Dark Sky Designation in 2024, sits Dee Wright Observatory. The Dee Wright Observatory was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the middle of a lava flow, constructed from the very rock that surrounds it. Accessed only in summer and early fall via the historic McKenzie Highway, the location in the Cascade Range means almost no artificial light pollution. Note: Dee Wright isn’t an observatory in the classic sense but rather a remote and rugged destination with vault toilets and limited cell service; other services are not available nearby.
Get started by learning more about Dee Wright Observatory
Pine Mountain Observatory Near Bend
The University of Oregon’s Pine Mountain Observatory is perched at 6,300 feet above sea level east of Bend in the high desert; it is open on weekends throughout spring and summer, though visitors should check the observatory’s schedule before heading out.
Central Oregon’s dry, clear skies, the elevation, and the remote location mean incredible visibility through the observatory’s wide range of telescopes. Take camping gear and make it an overnight trip; the primitive Pine Mountain Campground sits just across the road from the observatory.
Excited to visit? Learn more about the Pine Mountain Observatory.
The Hopservatory at Worthy Brewing
The Hopservatory located on Bend’s eastside at Worthy Brewing Company, brings together two of Central Oregon’s best offerings, good beer and great stars. This unique observatory hosts a 16-inch research-grade telescope located on the third floor of the brewery giving guests the chance to see an unmatched view of the stars, planets, and solar system. The Hopservatory is open to the public to view Thursday-Saturday evenings and is staffed with a resident astronomer to provide helpful knowledge. This is a free experience but a $5 donation is encouraged to help keep the observatory running. Round out your evening with a bite to eat and a beer at the brew pub while you’re there!
Asterisk Observatory Near Smith Rock State Park
Located outside of Terrebonne at the entrance to Smith Rock State Park, Asterisk Observatory is the newest addition to the Central Oregon Dark Sky tourism scene.
This observatory was opened in 2024 by three local astronomers with a passion for sharing the stars and skies with all. Located at the top of the park at Smith Rock, Asterisk boasts a 17” PlaneWave telescope that gives 360° views of the night sky and surrounding skyline. The observatory is open nightly March, April, May, June, September, and October; you can also make reservations to have a guided experience with one of the astronomy experts on sight. Check out their website for updated hours, reservations, and more.
Best Natural Spots to Go Stargazing
Of course, you don’t need to visit an observatory to become an astrotourist; anywhere with clear skies and a lack of light pollution will do. Here are a few ideas for stargazing on your own or as part of a tour.
Prineville Reservoir State Park
In 2021, Prineville Reservoir State Park became the second place in Oregon to be honored by IDA, this time in the category of Dark Sky Park. Building on night skies already deemed “exceptional,” the management team of the state park in the high desert east of Bend took efforts a step further and replaced harsh outdoor lights with softer yellow and red lighting that reduced skyglow. Visit this summer for astronomical and wildlife nighttime programming. Also keep in mind that you’ll want to print, fill out, and display a Stargazing Permit on your vehicle’s dashboard when visiting outside of typical day-use hours.
Antelope, Oregon
Located 31 miles from Madras, Oregon sits the small community of Antelope, Oregon. Boasting only 40 full time residents, this tiny town might be small in residency but is huge in Dark Sky appeal. Antelope became designated as Oregon’s first official International Dark Sky Community in December 2024. Its remote location away from any big city light pollution gives way to the clearest night skies one could imagine. The growing popularity of dark sky tourism has prompted the efforts to re-open a trailer park with A-Frame cabins, a food truck, and cafe in this tiny but mighty town. If you’re looking for a true off-the-grid dark sky experience, Antelope is a must visit.
Stargazing In and Around Sisters, Oregon
Newly appointed in 2025, the charming town of Sisters, Oregon is now designated as an official International Dark Sky Community. Being a certified dark sky community means that Sisters passed in-depth testing around light solutions, light pollution and more. So after enjoying the quaint downtown shops and dining in Sisters, step outside and you might just see the Big Dipper from your patio. Or drive just a few minutes out of town into the surrounding Deschutes National Forest for an immersive night time sky experience.
Stargazing Outings with Wanderlust Tours
Choose a nighttime tour with Wanderlust Tours to take in the night skies with a guide in and around Bend, Oregon. See the stars with your family, friends or make some new friends while partaking in the activity of your choice; stargazing tours include guided snowshoeing, hiking, and paddling trips.
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