Did you know most people on Earth can’t see the Milky Way from where they live due to light pollution? That’s not the case in Sunriver. Thanks to careful planning, locals and guests in Sunriver can view the Milky Way and other galaxies. Sunriver is an ideal place to visit if you are an astrotourist. Simply step outside your home to gaze at the stars or hike to the top of nearby Lava Butte to watch the sunset behind the Cascade Mountain Range to the west and then turn to the east to watch the moon take center stage for the night. There are many places in Sunriver and nearby to count shooting starts during a meteor shower. DARK SKY FACTS IN OREGON • Sunriver has one of the most unique places to view the night sky with telescopes at the Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory (SNCO). It has one of the greatest collection of telescopes available for the public viewing in the United States. Telescopes are also available during the day to view the sun through a filtered lens. • Sunriver was the first place in Oregon to be certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as a Dark Sky Destination. • Protecting the night sky from light pollution began in the late 1960s in Sunriver. The Sunriver Owners Association has lighting ordinances to safeguard the area from light pollution. • The IDA has recognized four communities in Central Discover Dark Sky Destinations in Sunriver & Central Oregon Photos courtesy of Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry Oregon as Dark Sky Destinations, Sunriver, Sisters, Antelope and Prineville Reservoir State Park. • Central Oregon is near the Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, which is a phased designation, which will be the largest Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world. Learn more about Central Oregon’s astrotourism from the following resources: • Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry in Sunriver is a nonprofit organization offering daytime and nighttime viewing events throughout the year. Events include the Oregon Star Party, held east of Prineville during the July new moon, and the Cascade Astronomy Festival in October in Central Oregon. Oregon Astronomy & Rocketry is Central Oregon’s only astrotourism company. It offers private star parties and a retail selection of new and used astronomy equipment, along with equipment repairs. oregonastronomy.com • Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory- Located off circle 3 in Sunriver, this is the largest publicly accessible observatory anywhere. Operates year round, reservations are required. snco.org • Worthy Hopservatory- Located on the east side of Bend on Hwy 20, Their 16” telescope operates most weekends, with beer and food available on location and no reservations required. worthygardenclub.org/hopservatory • University of Oregon Pine Mt Observatory- Located about 40 miles east of Bend, they operate telescope on nonmoon nights from Memorial Day into the fall months. Check the website for dates pmo.uoregon.edu • Oregon Star Party- The largest star party in the Northwest under dark skies east of Prineville. Reservations are recommended and features guest speakers, vendors and activities. oregonstarparty.org • Cascade Astronomy Festival- New for 2026 is this special event that includes star parties, lectures, workshops and attractions. Events will be held throughout Central Oregon. cascadeastronomy.org Visit sunriverchamber.com and click on Dark Sky Destination for additional information. 2026-27 | SUNRIVER MAGAZINE 42
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