Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Cottonwood Canyon protects a long stretch of the John Day River corridor in north-central Oregon, a remote canyon landscape with minimal nearby development and certified dark skies. The park is relatively new and still lightly visited, which means solitude is almost guaranteed after sunset. The canyon walls reduce horizon glow and the river reflects stars on still nights. Fall is the best season, with stable weather and fewer crowds than summer.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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