Experience the Night Sky Like Never Before in Oregon’s Outback

I’ve looked up at the night sky almost every night of my life and have always been fascinated by the way the experience changes from day to day and place to place. But on recent family travel to Oregon, I got to experience it like never before in the Oregon Outback. I was staying at the lovely Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte (not far from Bend) and, as the day came to a close, my group boarded a van with Wanderlust Tours and began the journey into a region of the Oregon desert known as the Oregon Outback.

Just north of the Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary, the world’s largest dark sky sanctuary, this area is sparsely populated and free from something known as ALAN, or Artificial Light At Night. Conditions are ideal for stargazing, and the vastness of the virtually uninhabited desert creates a unique experience that is an incredible learning experience for little ones used to city living.

Our Wanderlust tour guide, Jeanie, made sure we arrived at our destination, Fort Rock, just in time for a sunset nature hike. Jeanie guided us around this ancient volcanic tuff ring that towers over the otherwise flat desert, pointing out plant and animal life, explaining the history of the area, and making sure we had the best views of the setting sun. Once it was dark, we enjoyed a picnic dinner while we learned more about the area and sky above before heading out for a night hike. Jeanie got us situated on a flat outcropping of rock and made sure everyone found comfortable seating before the show began.

The “show” involved looking up at the sky where the canvas was dotted with stars as far as the eye could see. Jeanie proceeded to point out stars, constellations, planets and even satellites, all easily visible to the naked eye. Throughout the experience, she gave us tips for optimal viewing, taught us how to find constellations and stars, and gave us plenty of time to simply lean back and enjoy the experience. She also had a nice surprise waiting for us in the dark — a lovely setup that included hot cocoa (with an optional shot of booze for the adults) and freshly baked treats from a local bakery. On the ride back to Brasada Ranch, where warm fire pits and s’mores awaited, Jeanie was as much willing to answer a litany of questions about the Outback and the stars as she was to let us relax and enjoy the ride.

The night was nothing short of magical. For children and teens, a stargazing journey in the Outback is an experience not only fun but educational without feeling anything like a classroom. And, for adults, it is a chance to disconnect from our busy lives and get a gentle reminder our world is a whole lot bigger than the corners of it we occupy.