DarkSky Oregon
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Oregon National Caves National Monument and Preserve
Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve offers a journey through time and space—both beneath the earth’s surface and under its dazzling night skies. Located in southern Oregon, this 4,554-acre sanctuary protects a labyrinth of marble caves and an expansive wilderness teeming with biodiversity, where endangered and endemic species flourish in old-growth forests. The Park’s unique ecosystem is a testament to the region’s rich geologic history, a saga of shifting mountains, evolving climates, and thriving life.
Nestled in the rugged beauty of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve offers a journey through time and space—both beneath the earth’s surface and under its dazzling night skies. Located in southern Oregon, this 4,554-acre sanctuary protects a labyrinth of marble caves and an expansive wilderness teeming with biodiversity, where endangered and endemic species flourish in old-growth forests. The Park’s unique ecosystem is a testament to the region’s rich geologic history, a saga of shifting mountains, evolving climates, and thriving life.
Now, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve (ORCA) celebrates a new milestone: recognition as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This certification underscores the Park’s commitment to conserving its pristine night skies and preserving the nocturnal environment for generations to come. ORCA joins an exclusive network of only 128 Dark Sky Parks worldwide and stands as Oregon’s second such destination, following Prineville Reservoir State Park.
Amber Harrison, Program Manager for DarkSky International’s Dark Sky Places Program, hailed the achievement: “This designation highlights ORCA’s dedication to conservation, offering visitors an unparalleled blend of natural and celestial wonders while fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.”
A Commitment to Night Sky Preservation
The dark skies over ORCA remain a sanctuary from the creeping glow of urban light pollution, thanks to the Park’s efforts to safeguard its nocturnal environment. Over the next decade, the Park will implement a three-phase lighting retrofit that adheres to DarkSky International’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting. By reducing artificial light and preserving natural darkness, ORCA ensures that its ecosystems and nightscapes retain their timeless character.
Buffer zones of undeveloped land around the Park further protect it from light trespass, creating a haven for stargazers and nocturnal wildlife alike. This initiative not only honors the ecological integrity of the region but also inspires educational outreach and scientific collaboration. From community programs to global partnerships, ORCA shines as a beacon of what’s possible when nature and human effort align.
A Legacy of Exploration and Wonder
Established in 1909 to protect its stunning marble cave systems, ORCA has long been a destination for discovery and recreation. Today, visitors can explore its fascinating caves, hike scenic trails, and marvel at the wildlife thriving in its old-growth forests. The addition of the International Dark Sky Park certification enhances the Park’s appeal, offering opportunities to witness some of the clearest night skies in the region.
Seasonal events, including guided cave tours and summer stargazing programs, invite visitors to connect deeply with the natural and celestial wonders of the Park. Star parties in ORCA’s Historic District and other nighttime activities bring the cosmos to life, fostering an appreciation for the beauty and significance of unspoiled night skies.
A Bright Future for Dark Skies
The recognition of ORCA as a Dark Sky Park is a testament to the tireless work of Park staff, volunteers, and collaborators like DarkSky Oregon. Their efforts ensure that the star-filled skies above the Siskiyou Mountains remain a source of inspiration and wonder, free from the encroaching haze of artificial light.
Whether you’re a curious explorer, an avid stargazer, or a wildlife enthusiast, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve offers a rare chance to step back in time—both to the geologic past beneath the earth and to a night sky as our ancestors saw it. Plan your visit and experience the magic of one of Oregon’s most extraordinary treasures.
Oregon Outback DarkSky Sanctuary on KGW-TV
For this episode of Let's Get Out There, our Matt Zaffino traveled to a place in south-central Oregon known as the "Oregon Outback."
New Dark Sky Advocates In the Columbia River Gorge
Lighting the Way: DarkSkyGorge Preserves Columbia River Gorge's Night Sky
A new group of dark sky lovers is now protecting the night in the Columbia River Gorge. Appropriately named DarkSkyGorge (DSG), this group began this past February with two persons – Mike Hendricks of Hood River and Mike McKeag of Mosier – and now has almost 80 members. Many of the new members join as a result of hearing from friends.
Even though the group is new, DarkSkyGorge is working hard on two important fronts. First, a new bridge is being designed to cross the Columbia River from Hood River to White Salmon, and DSG is urging the Bridge Commission and its Aesthetic Committee to keep any bridge lighting within dark sky principles. An important design document will appear this summer, but it’s encouraging that dark sky language has already appeared on official bridge materials and in a public forum. DarkSkyGorge’s second activity involves the city of Hood River, which is beginning a year-long update of its city development codes. The city planning department recognizes that the current codes say very little about outdoor lighting, and they – along with some elected Hood River officials – are inviting DSG to participate in the code review and to offer suggestions. Thanks goes to dark sky advocates in Sisters for providing a powerful model and
motivator.
It’s early on each of these fronts, but DarkSkyGorge is staying in touch with the decision makers on each project and actively monitoring next steps. If you would like to join their efforts – or perhaps start a local group in your area .
To learn more- email: DarkSkyGorge@gmail.com
A new group of dark sky lovers is protecting the night in the Columbia River Gorge. Appropriately named DarkSkyGorge (DSG), this group began this past February with two members—Mike Hendricks of Hood River and Michael McKeag of Mosier—and now has almost 80 members. Many of the new members joined after hearing from friends.
Even though the group is new, DarkSkyGorge is working hard on two important fronts. First, a new bridge is being designed to cross the Columbia River from Hood River to White Salmon. DSG is urging the Bridge Commission and its Aesthetic Committee to keep any bridge lighting within dark sky principles. An important design document will appear this summer, but it’s encouraging that dark sky language has already appeared on official bridge materials and in a public forum.
DarkSkyGorge’s second activity involves the city of Hood River, beginning a year-long update of its city development codes. The city planning department recognizes that the current codes say very little about outdoor lighting, and they – along with some elected Hood River officials – are inviting DSG to participate in the code review and to offer suggestions. Thanks to the Dark Sky advocates in Sisters, who provide a powerful model and motivator,
It’s early on each of these fronts, but DarkSkyGorge is staying in touch with the decision-makers on each project and actively monitoring the next steps. If you would like to join their efforts—or perhaps start a local group in your area—contact them at DarkSkyGorge@gmail.com.
Mike Hendricks, Hood River
Michael McKeag, Mosier
Tetherow Resort Launches its New Summer Programming with a Focus on Celestial Events
Resort guests are invited to join local astronomer Grant Tandy on a journey into Central Oregon’s vast Dark Skies with close-up views of the closest star, the sun
As interest in astronomy and celestial events grows, Tetherow Resort is excited to announce its new summer Summer Skies Series. Held every other Thursday beginning on June 13, the series is designed to captivate curious minds with the complexities of outer space, covering concepts like scale, time, distance, and speed within and beyond our solar system.
With 80% of the U.S. population unable to view the Milky Way from their homes because of light pollution, Oregon’s dark skies are an increasingly rare treasure. Tetherow’s new onsite programming allows guests to appreciate these natural wonders without traveling far.
Exclusively for guests of Tetherow’s multi-bedroom vacation homes, nighttime stargazing sessions offer a deeper dive into the cosmos. Starting at $450, this package accommodates groups or families of up to 10 people in the intimacy of their own home with direct access to Grant Tandy and a telescope led experience.
To learn more-Summer Skies Series
