Prineville Reservoir State Park
Truly dark sky, with the zodiacal light clearly visible.
Prineville Reservoir sits in the high desert of central Oregon with a certified dark sky designation and easy access from Bend, about an hour west. The reservoir reflects stars on calm nights, and the surrounding terrain of rimrock canyons and juniper flats keeps the horizon mostly clean. It is one of the more accessible certified dark sky sites in the Pacific Northwest, making it a reliable option for Front Range visitors looking for a quick escape from city light.
What's here
On the map
What to bring
Our picks for a good night under the stars.
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Nearby in Oregon
Antelope International Dark Sky Community
Tiny ranching community with Bortle 1 skies.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Remote canyon on the John Day River.
Crater Lake National Park
The deepest lake in the U.S. under dark skies.