The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway stretches 286 miles through north central to eastern Oregon. Beginning in the community of Biggs and ending in Baker City, this Byway meanders through ghost towns and small farming communities that bring the Old West to life. The Wild and Scenic John Day River, which is North America’s second longest undammed river, parallels much of the route, offering excellent rafting, fishing and camping. There are a plethora of historic commemorations of more recent times and a plethora of great astronomy sites along the route.

This is close to the areas used for the Oregon Star Party.

Length	268 miles
States	1 – Oregon
Astronomy Sites	7

Astronomy

Here are a few of the amazing opportunities for viewing the nights sky in the numerous dark sky areas. The Wilderness areas are in the surrounding areas and provide great opportunities to viewing the Milky Way and view the nights sky.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Located right outside of the city of Wasco, Oregon, Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a hidden gem that is a Bortle 2 scale that is very dark and has everything one could want! The park was established in 2013 and is the 2nd largest state park in Oregon, encompassing 8,000 acres on the lower John Day River. There are a plethora of day hikes and outdoor activities during the day and lots of nighttime area to explore. Cottonwood Canyon has a plethora of viewing and photography opportunities in the canyon and in the surrounding park. For more detailed astronomy information, check out this article.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is an amazing place to visit, as it not only has a plethora of activities to do during the day and amazing and dark skies at night. Great sights include colorful rock formations at John Day Fossil Beds that preserve a world class record of plant and animal evolution, changing climate, and past ecosystems that span over 40 million years. Exhibits and a working lab at the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center as well as scenic drives and hikes at all three units allow visitors to explore the prehistoric past of Oregon and see science in action. The camping in the are provide amazing and expansive views provide amazing astronomic opportunities. For more detailed astronomy information, check out this article.

Malhuer National Forest

The Malheur National Forest is a National Forest in the U.S. state of Oregon. It contains more than 1.4 million acres in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. The forest consists of high desert grasslands, sage, juniper, pine, fir, and other tree species. Elevations vary from about 4,000 feet to the 9,038-foot peak of Strawberry Mountain. With the various elevations and locations, the National Forest has a plethora of area for astronomy in the form of stargazing and DLSR photography.

North Fork John Day Wilderness

From rolling benchlands to the granite outcrops of the Greenhorn Mountains, the rugged North Fork John Day Wilderness provides an abundance of natural diversity. The wilderness is known primarily for its big game and its anadromous fish habitat. However, there are a plethora of astronomy opportunities for Milky Way photography and great stargazing with this large natural area.

Monument Rock Wilderness

The Monument Rock Wilderness Area encompasses 20,079 acres this wilderness spans the Malheur and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. Offering views across much of northeastern Oregon, elevations ranges from 5,200 feet in the lower slopes to 7,815 feet atop Table Rock. The northern end of the area lies across a watershed divide that separates the headwaters of the Little Malheur River and the upper drainage of the South Fork Burnt River. This provides a plethora of astronomy opportunities for Milky Way photography and great stargazing.

Camping/Lodging

Here are a smattering of a few camping and lodging in the area along the route.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

There are a total of 25 campgrounds, 21 campsites and 4 cabins. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance, with the cabins having electricity and other great amenities. The cabins do reserve quickly for the season, so make sure to reserve early.

John Day Fossil Beds Camping

There are a plethora of camping options, on BLM land, which can be found at this NPS site. It does the best job of describing the options available, as some are not reservable and some are.

North Fork John Day Campground

This campground features 20 campsites, 3 accessible toilet facilities, and stock handling facilities; however, please note that there is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack up all garbage. Please be aware that the campground may be closed due to snow in the winter, which will limit access to snowmobiles.

Malhuer National Forest

The Malheur National Forest provides opportunities for nearly every type of camping; from developed camgrounds, RV camping, roadside, wilderness, and backpacking. There are 4 former guard stations that are potential cabin rentals, 2 group campgrounds, and multiple RV campgrounds. Here is a great resource for campsites in the area to use as a start for research.

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