Public OMSI Star Parties

OMSI Star Parties 2025

March 13 (Th) - Total Lunar Eclipse (@ OMSI)

June 7 (Sat) - Solstice Celebration (Stub and Rooster)

July 12 (Sat) - Summer Night Sky (Stub and Rooster)

August 12 (Tu) - Perseid Meteor Shower Watch (Rooster only)

Sept 13 (Sat) - Equinox Celebration (Stub and Rooster)

OMSI, Rose City Astronomers, and Oregon Parks and Recreation invite you to our free public OMSI Star Parties. The Star Parties provide a great opportunity to meet other people that share your interest in astronomy, and to view the planets, moon, stars, and other celestial sights through telescopes and binoculars of all sizes. From beginners to experts, all ages are invited. The scheduled viewings will be held at both Rooster Rock State Park and Stub Stewart State Park on the same night!

Parking is $5/vehicle. We recommend visiting OMSI's website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations. Warm clothing and a flashlight with red light are recommended. Personal telescopes and binoculars are welcome.

Location Information: Rooster Rock State Park, take I-84 east of the Sandy River at exit 25. The park is located 22 miles east of Portland.

L.L. "Stub" Stewart State Park, take US-26 west of Portland and turn right on OR-47. The park is located 23 miles west of Portland.

Private RCA Dark-Sky Star Parties

Click here to become a member and to learn more about our upcoming private Star Parties.

Previous private Star Party locations:

Camp Hancock

Camp Hancock is an OMSI sponsored field station, located in a spectacular setting just east of the John Day River in Oregon's Clarno Fossil Beds.

Maupin

The Maupin site is on a private field outside the town of Maupin.

Justesen Ranch

Justesen Ranch is a private location near Grass Valley Oregon.

Sky View Acres

Sky View Acres is on private property near Goldendale.

Stub Stewart

Stub Stewart star parties are at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, near Vernonia, Oregon.

Trout Lake

Trout Lake Star Party is held in a lot in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA.

White River Sno Park

White River Sno-Park is on the South East side of Mount Hood.

 

Regional Star Parties

These are NOT RCA sponsored events but are all within 500 miles of Portland.

New to Observing?

Learn more about best practices and star party etiquette:

Click Here