Second Dark Sky State Park Certified in Oregon

Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Certified as an International Dark Sky Park

By Drew Reagan
Published December 20, 2024 by  DarkSky International & DarkSky Oregon

Wasco, Oregon

Cottonwood Canyon State Park in Oregon has been officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park by DarkSky International. This recognition makes it Oregon’s second state park to receive the certification and the state's sixth International Dark Sky Place. Other certified locations in Oregon include Prineville Reservoir State Park, Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary (Lake County), the town of Antelope Dark Sky Community, and the Sunriver International Dark Sky  Development of Distinction.

“The Dark Sky Committee was pleased to approve Cottonwood Canyon State Park, joining the family of dark places in Oregon. Their novel approach to education using interpretation panels and hands-on activities should prove an effective outreach method. Combined with good examples of good lighting – including lighting for the resident chickens – the Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a valuable resource for visitors and wildlife alike,” remarked Dan Oakley, chair of the International Dark Sky Places committee.

The effort, which started in 2020, spanned four years and included multiple park rangers and managers, with ongoing support from DarkSky Oregon. With the persistent work of David Spangler, Evan Siedl, Stan Petersen, Asa Miller, Scott Green, and our enthusiastic and dedicated partners, including Michael McKeag of DarkSky Oregon, professional photographers Dawn and Brent Davis, and Rose City Astronomers volunteers, the longtime goal of becoming an International Dark Sky Park is now a reality.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park comprises over 16,000 acres of public land along the John Day River. The Park was purchased from the non-profit group Western Rivers Conservancy in 2011 to protect natural and cultural resources. Cottonwood is open year-round and offers 21 reservable campsites, 14 first-come tent-only sites, and four cabins. In addition to camping, Cottonwood also provides miles of hiking trails, hunting, fishing, rafting, and many other recreational opportunities along the beautiful John Day River. The Park is also one of Oregon’s naturally dark parks, remote and nestled among deep canyon walls, making it an ideal location to stargaze.
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Cottonwood Canyon had many outdoor lights on buildings, so the journey to become a Dark Sky Park was no small task. Every light was inventoried, and non-compliant bulbs or fixtures were either removed or replaced with alternatives meeting DarkSky standards.  Interpretive signs were installed to educate visitors on protecting our dark skies while camping here. A sky quality meter, installed in December 2020, has been measuring and recording night sky brightness nightly since. Supplemental handheld meter measurements are made at additional locations periodically.  Public outreach star parties are held each new moon weekend in the summer months, including a ranger presentation on light pollution and night sky protection. Rose City Astronomers volunteers provide campers with telescope views of the wonders of the night sky. 

Volunteers from the Rose City Astronomers assisted with providing "star parties" for the public at Cottonwood Canyon for the past three years in order to support night sky education, and assited training Oregon State Park personnel in the use of telescopes for nighttime and daytime solar observing.

​We are committed to continually improving our Dark Sky interpretive programs and facilities. We will continue monitoring night sky quality and taking measures necessary to ensure this amazing resource is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

“As the former Manager and Ranger at Cottonwood Canyon State Park, I have always had the goal of seeing certification as an International Dark Sky Park. Cottonwood, with its unique location, is the perfect Oregon State Park to educate on the importance of dark skies and astronomy,” – David Spangler.

“I can speak for the rest of the staff that we are both ecstatic and grateful to have earned the International Dark Sky Park certification and will continue the work to protect our dark skies,” – Park Ranger Stanley Petersen.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the management and rangers at Cottonwood Canyon over the years. Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered,” Michael McKeag, DarkSky Oregon.
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“I’m very proud that Cottonwood Canyon is now the second Oregon State Park to receive the International Dark Sky Park Certification.  Cottonwood Canyon is a special place, but the true beauty of the Park is the magical display of the night sky,” – Park Manager Scott Green.

DarkSky Oregon is pleased to have played a significant role in this achievement. DarkSky International retains a global committee of experts who rigorously review dark sky place applications from around the world. For a deep dive, here is Cottonwood Canyon’s successful application for certification as an International Dark Sky Park.