Take this 220-mile scenic alternative route between Portland and Eugene and discover some of the best “up-close and personal” views of thundering waterfalls, lush ancient forests, rushing whitewater and cool, placid lakes. Begin in the historic logging and hydropower city of Estacada, located only 40 minutes from Portland. From the very start, you will find yourself immersed in old-growth forest, skimming the edge of the breathtaking Clackamas River.

There are a plethora of locations that are great for getting away from society and viewing the night sky and the Milky Way!

Length	220 miles
States	1 – Oregon
Astronomy Sites	5

Timothy Lake

Closer to Estacata, but an hour drive off the route, but well worth it. Activities including hiking, fishing, and camping has Timothy Lake provides an isolated opportunity to view the Milky Way,

Detroit Lake State Recreation Area

Detroit Lake’s campground offers nearly 300 sites on the shore of a forest-ringed canyon reservoir in the Cascade Mountains. The nine-mile-long lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other water sports. Sightseers enjoy views of snow-capped Mt. Jefferson in the distance. Due to its geographic distance from cities, it provides a great opportunity to view the nights sky and Milky Way.

Ollalie Lake Scenic Area

A United States Forest Service designated scenic area located in Oregon’s Cascade Range. It is between Mount Hood on the north and Mount Jefferson to the south and contains Olallie Lake along with several smaller lakes. These lakes with the mountains in the background provide an amazing opportunity for beautiful backdrops for the Milky Way and the nights sky!

Mt Jefferson Wilderness

Lying within the Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest, the wilderness area covers 111,177 acres, with more than 150 lakes. The Wilderness has 190 miles of trails, including 40 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, cross-country skiing, wildlife watching, and mountain climbing. Being a wilderness area, this area provides a great opportunity to view the Milky Way.

Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest

These national forests include areas like the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. They cover thousands of acres and provide a plethora of recreational activities. But this also means a great opportunity to find places to view the Milky Way and the nights sky!

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and make sure to view our other unique astronomy roadtrips such as this one for more places to view astronomy when on a roadtrip.