A hidden gem in the Oregon State Parks system, which repeatedly appears on the least visited parks, (18th least visited in 2023 and 16th least visited in 2022), Cottonwood Canyon State Park is an amazing place to go for recreation and astronomy!

Located in Wasco County, Oregon, Cottonwood Canyon State Park is the 2nd largest state park in Oregon. The International Dark Sky Association has a great article about the process that was taken for the park receiving the designation. What we want to add to the mix are 2 different angles: as an astronomy tourist/amatuer astronomer and as a party that helped get the process for certification started.

As part of our Astronomy Sites Of The Pacific Northwest series, in which we identify unique astronomy sites, one of the sites that we identified was Cottonwood Canyon State Park. With its proximity to Portland, Hood River, John Day, and Mount Hood area, in addition to the great amenities and recreation opportunities, we thought that Cottonwood was and is the perfect place to go astronomy. Therefore, back in 2018, we put the Oregon State Park Rangers at the site, Dark Sky Oregon, and the Rose City Astronomers in contact to start the conversation to get the Dark Sky Certification process started. Although we weren’t involved with the application, nor are mentioned directly, our involvement directly led to the park becoming a well known destination for astronomers and the designation. What this shows is that when you’re working with organizations and individuals who care about light pollution, are willing to take the necessary steps, and realize the potential, you CAN definitely make a positive difference. Without us putting everyone in contact, this may have never happened, and if it did, it would’ve started years later. Cottonwood Canyon was NOT on anyone elses radar, before we brought it up, and now the area is used for Star Parties too! We would’ve loved to have been a bigger help with the application and sky monitoring, but it wasn’t needed as others helped and were able to get the job done! Your voice and advocacy does matter and help!

As visitors, the park is a great location because there are amazing amenities for the entire family. Camping is spacious and the cabins are fantastic! Make sure to book cabins as early as possible, ideally as soon as they open to guarantee a spot. And if not possible, then check the availability on a regular basis as cancellations do happen. When we went to camp at Cottonwood, it was a great experience with lots of room to do astronomy, plus the site is on the way to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument using the highway.

Check out why you should stargaze at Cottonwood Canyon State Park and other information related to astronomy there from our articles on the subject. Make sure to connect with us on social media, such as Instagram for updates.