Dark Sky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing light pollution and preserving starry skies. After years of planning and examining conditions, Dark Sky International certified Cottonwood Canyon State Park as an International Dark Sky Park on December 20, 2024. (Dawn Davis)
A time-lapse photo from Cottonwood Canyon State Park. (Dawn Davis)
Astro-trourism is a rapidly expanding phenomenon and has grown in popularity since 2020. The National Park Service and states in the Colorado Plateau expect Astro-tourists to spend $5.8 billion over the next 10 years, generating 10,000 new jobs. (National Park Service/J.Olson)
Portland-based photographer Joshua Meador visited Cottonwood Canyon State Park during the Perseid Meteor shower in 2016. Astrophotographers are drawn to locations without light pollution, and Cottonwood Canyon State Park has become a destination for stargazers and photographers. (Joshua Meador)
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 sixth International Dark Sky Place. Other certified locations in Oregon include Prineville Reservoir, Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon Outback (Lake County), the town of Antelope, and Sunriver International 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.
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.
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," says David Spangler.
About the International Dark Sky Places Program
Founded in 2001, the International Dark Sky Places Program is a non-regulatory and voluntary program encouraging communities, parks, and protected areas worldwide to protect dark sites through effective lighting policies, environmentally responsible outdoor lighting, and public education.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park now joins more than 230 Places that have demonstrated robust community support for dark sky advocacy and strive to protect the night from light pollution.
Learn more at darksky.org.
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