Where To Watch Meteor Showers Near Portland

Eastern Oregon has some of the world’s darkest skies. But closer to Portland, the skies can still offer some good star gazing. In time for the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks Aug. 12, here are some tips on where to watch the night sky, thanks to Norther Emily of Wild Solitude Guiding.

Night Sky Events

Here are a few nearby events to get your started:

• Aug. 12 | OMSI Star Parties: Perseid Meteor Shower Watch | L.L. Stub Stewart State Park or Rooster Rock State Park
• Aug. 17 | Wild Solitude Guiding: Silent Night Walk | Sandy, Ore.
• Sept. 13 | OMSI Star Parties: Equinox Celebration | L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

Meteor Shower Destinations

If you have time to make a longer trip, here are some other places to see the meteor shower — including some of Oregon's internationally recognized DarkSky Places:

Mt. Adams

Oregon has more DarkSky designations than Washington. “ But that little pocket around Mount Adams, especially towards the north side of Mount Adams, there's literally nothing up there,” says Emily.

Antelope, Ore.

The little ghost town has become a dark sky sanctuary. Bonus: It’s on the way to the Painted Hills or the John Day fossil beds.

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

“It’s a destination in its own right,” says Emily, but it also has the official DarkSky designation. “ That is a really cool place to go if you have time to go all the way down south,” she adds.

Tips for Watching the Meteor Shower

Plan to go to sleep early and get up early — at 3 a.m.

Bring something so you can lie down, like a lounge chair. (You don’t want to strain your neck getting a long look at the sky.)

Or better yet, just camp outside under the stars, set your alarm for the wee hours of the morning, and stay all cozied up as you gaze from your bed.