International dark Skies Night

An evening of Exploration at Oregon’s only International Dark Sky Park

Saturday, April 6th, 2024

ABOUT THE TOUR

The week of April 2nd - 8th is International Dark Sky Week and Prineville, home to Oregon’s only International Dark Sky Park, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the celestial magic of the night sky! Join us on Saturday, April 6th for a night of astronomical exploration at Prineville Reservoir State Park! While the 6th falls outside of the designated International Dark Sky Week, it gives us the best opportunity to stargaze without any lunar interference!

Naturalist Guided Experience: During the adventures, our naturalist guides will highlight the stunning geography of the area while also imparting an understanding of the stars, galaxies, and cosmos above! Age-old stories and myths mixed with astronomy will enlighten just as the stars do! With the moon entering a new phase, the wonder of the stars will be at their brightest!

Adventure: Our adventure will take place in Prineville Reservoir State Park which sits at the center of the Crooked River Caldera, an ancient supervolcano that last erupted 30 million years ago! Your Naturalist Guide will lead you on a trail bordering the reservoir, seeking stunning views and imparting their intimate knowledge of the heavens above. The light from the stars will guide us along the reservoir as we take in the night skies. Your guide will share insight into the planets and constellations as well as the impact of light pollution to a very fragile dark sky ecosystem- helping to bring to “light” the dark!

Looking for more stargazing adventure? Check out our Crooked River Caldera Stargazing Weekend from May 10 - 12th!

DETAILS

$130 per person

Saturday, April 6th | 6:00pm - 11:00pm

TOUR INCLUDES

Naturalist Guide & award-winning interpretation
Hike & Stargazing: At Prineville Reservoir State Park
Gear: headlamps
Drinks: Hot Cocoa to conclude our evening
Transportation: Departing from our office with a pick-up and drop-off in Prineville

PLEASE BRING

Layers: Warm clothing including a shell jacket for variable weather. The temps will drop at night!
Miscellaneous Gear: Water bottle, snacks, camera, blanket or camp chair, daypack (optional)

Hike Difficulty: The hike will be about 2 miles with minimal elevation gain.

Weather & Visibility: We are fortunate to be on the dry side of the Cascades, getting over 300 days of clear skies and sunshine per year. With that said this tour will run regardless of rain or cloudy skies. You can learn more about our weather policy here.

Tour Minimums:
The minimum total guest requirement for this tour is 6 people. We will reach out 2 weeks prior to the event if the minimum has not been met.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to two weeks are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. Cancellations within two weeks are subject to full tour cost. You can find more details regarding our cancellation policy here.