Oregon stargazing destination designated as International Dark Sky Park
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve has a fancy new title.
DarkSky International tapped the Southern Oregon star-gazing spot as an International Dark Sky Park on Thursday. The recent accolade establishes the Siskiyou Mountain spot as a destination that has worked fervently to maintain natural darkness.
DarkSky reported that the monument was subjected to a “comprehensive lighting inventory assessment” before officially earning the title. Staff with the National Parks Service also launched a program to keep track of how the night sky changed over three years.
Joshua Zimmt, who spearheaded the application, said he was exposed to the “incredible visual resources” offered by the Oregon Caves.
“The vast brilliance of the night sky above the Park, even if viewed from small clearings throughout the forest, provides an incredible and immersive experience that will inspire visitors of all ages,” Zimmt added.
According to NPS, former President William Taft deemed the park a national monument in 1909. The surrounding area of land became a national preserve more than a century later in 2014 — increasing the park’s size from 488 acres to 4,558 acres.
The Oregon Caves is the state’s second International Dark Sky Park. Prineville Reservoir State Park nabbed the same designation in 2021.
“This achievement demonstrates a commitment to dark sky preservation and offers visitors a unique blend of natural and celestial experiences, highlighting conservation and community engagement.” Program Manager Amber Harrison said in a statement.
Oregon’s Outback also boasts the title of International Dark Sky Sanctuary, while Sunriver has been deemed an International Dark Sky Place.
These sites often host recreational activities. For the Oregon Caves, NPS offers an off-trail caving tour, candlelight cave tour, discovery cave tour and kids and family cave tour.
Officials accept reservations from late spring to early fall.