Central Oregon is now home to four International Dark Sky Association-certified areas in the global Dark Sky Places Program after Sisters recently joined Antelope, Sunriver, and Prineville Reservoir State Park on the rarefied list. This designation makes it Oregon’s second community and seventh International Dark Sky Place.
Sisters is in good company in and near Central Oregon. In 2020, Sunriver became the first in Oregon to earn the International Dark Sky Place designation. Less than a year later, Prineville Reservoir State Park was named the first International Dark Sky Park in Oregon. In 2024, the town of Antelope, set near the Central Oregon city of Madras, became the first in Oregon to earn the International Dark Sky Community designation. And the Oregon Outback in Lake County—just east of Central Oregon, making the region an ideal basecamp—became the largest International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the U.S.
With Sisters joining these select few to earn the prestigious Dark Sky designation, it reinforces Central Oregon’s growing commitment to preserving its pristine night skies and provides star-seekers more reason to visit the area.
“Our dark skies are truly one of the many treasures of our region, and we’re thrilled that Sisters and Antelope have joined the growing list of areas in our state to receive this recognition,” said Scott Larson, President & CEO for Visit Central Oregon. “These designations show our communities’ commitment to preserving Central Oregon’s natural beauty, and it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it was meant to be seen—clear, dark, and full of wonder.”
With these two certifications, Central Oregon is now part of a select group of destinations worldwide dedicated to maintaining an environment where stargazing is awe-inspiring. Nearly 80% of North America’s population can no longer view the Milky Way from their home because of light pollution; this is not the case in Central Oregon.
Central Oregon has long been a bucket list destination for star-seekers. The region has three fully equipped observatories: The Pine Mountain Observatory, Dee Wright Observatory, and Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory. In addition, the Hopservatory at Worthy Brewing and the newly opened Asterisk Observatory at The Spot at Smith Rock offer unique astronomical experiences.
The region has embraced its dark skies imaginatively, from evening snowshoeing with Wanderlust Tours to nighttime laps at Hoodoo Ski Area. In addition, there has been a jump in stargazing packages offered by the region’s hotels and resorts, including Sunriver Resort, Campfire Hotel, Black Butte Ranch, Tetherow Resort, Juniper Preserve, and Brasada Ranch, to name a few.
The embrace of its dark skies aligns with Central Oregon’s commitment to destination stewardship. Already recognized as a destination for its ample outdoor recreation and sprawling beauty, Central Oregon is also an active partner of the Leave No Trace program.
Click here for more about Central Oregon’s many stargazing opportunities. For more information on Central Oregon activities, lodging, and experiences, go to visitcentraloregon.com.
ABOUT CENTRAL OREGON:
Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, where vast forests give way to the arid high desert, Central Oregon is characterized by year-round adventure, authenticity, inspiration, and environment. From the towering peaks of the Cascades to the pristine waters of the Wild & Scenic Deschutes River, and the more urban experiences of Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond, to the rural charms of Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs, and Maupin, Central Oregon offers a perfect mix of recreation and sophistication. Barely three hours from Portland, and with daily direct flights from eight major markets, getting to Central Oregon is a breeze. For more information visit www.visitcentraloregon.com or call 800-800-8334.