One of the simple pleasures in life is looking up into the night sky. Waiting on a shooting star. Picking out the Big Dipper.
But if you live in a town of any size, nighttime lights make seeing stars almost impossible.
One of the best places to see the Central Oregon night sky is Prineville Reservoir State Park. In fact, this is the first state park in Oregon to be designated as an International Dark Sky Association Park — one of 200 in the world and two in Oregon.
Next weekend is International Dark Skies Weekend and the folks at Prineville Reservoir are inviting you to their party.
On April 22, there are several events during the day — speakers at the park’s amphitheater, solar viewing, arts and crafts. And when night falls, that’s when the action begins.
The park is 16 miles southeast of Prineville in Juniper Canyon. Once you enter the park, please drive with only your parking lights on.
Staff will be on hand to offer interpretive talks and give you a hand in your effort to see the heavens. Extra campsites have been opened early to accommodate overnighters.
For info on camping and the event in Dark Sky Party, go to the Prineville Reservoir State Park website. This weekend’s event is an invitation to expose yourself to the Dark Sky Park designation.
If you can’t make it this weekend, the park has star gazing each weekend through the summer.
