Your Guide to the Partial Solar Eclipse on April 8

Photo by Benhur Emmanuel

A partial solar eclipse can be seen in Oregon this April. Here’s your guide to making the most of this astronomical event.

Here’s what you need to know about this natural phenomenon. I’ve gathered information about the upcoming eclipse along with how to safely see an eclipse and the best spots in Portland to view it. 

2024 Partial Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, the Moon will pass between the Sun and Earth. When the Moon travels in front of the Sun, it creates a solar eclipse. While Oregon is not in the path of totality, you can still witness part of the natural phenomenon right here in Portland.

In Portland, the Moon will block 25% of the Sun’s diameter at 45 degrees above the southeastern horizon. The duration of the partial solar eclipse in Portland is 1 hour and 46 minutes, according to OMSI.

Eclipse Timeline

On April 8, the eclipse is viewable in the morning. Here is the timeline for the 1 hour and 46 minutes eclipse in Portland, according to OMSI: 

• Eclipse begins: 10:33 a.m.
• Maximum eclipse occurs: 11:25 a.m.
• Eclipse ends: 12:19 p.m.

Eclipse Safety Glasses

Eclipses are not safe to view without proper eye coverage. 

The first thing to know when planning to view a solar eclipse is eye safety. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, as well as homemade filters are not safe for looking at the partially eclipsed (or uneclipsed) Sun.

During an partial eclipse, there is no time when it is safe to look directly at the Sun without using a special-purpose solar filter. A partial eclipse blocks some of the brightness making you think it is safe, yet is still as dangerous as trying to look directly at the Sun.

To look at any portion of the eclipse, you must use special “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. To be safe, the viewer must meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for these products. View the American Astronomical Society‘s guide to safe viewing and a list of suppliers. 

The OMSI store is selling eclipse glasses the day of the eclipse. Pick some up during OMSI Discount Day on April 7. 

Free Glasses

Looking for a free option? Warby Parker is giving away free solar eclipse glasses. From April 1 through April 8, pick up your free pair of solar eclipse glasses at any Portland location.

Viewing the Eclipse in Portland

 Seeing the eclipse in is weather dependent. Nevertheless, there are several places around the city where you can find an optimal viewing location.

View from your own backyard or head to one of these vantage points in the city. Here are some locations to consider for your solar eclipse viewing:

Washington Park

Located just West of downtown, Washington Park is the keeper of Portland’s best attractions. One of the best views of the city is found at the International Rose Test Garden. 

The park is free to visit, but you will need to pay for parking. If you take transit, you can hop on the free shuttle, which will drop you off at the rose garden or another eclipse viewing location of your choice in the park. 

The Portland International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park is located at 400 SW Kingston Ave.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Look out onto the Willamette River as you await the eclipse. While you won’t be perched atop a hillside from this park, you’ll get a wide view of the sky complemented by our city’s bridges and waterway. There’s lots of space along the park’s sidewalks and grass to view the eclipse. 

Tom McCall is at 98 SW Naito Pkwy in Portland.

The Pittock Mansion

The Pittock Mansion has the best view of the city. My favorite way to get to the Pittock Mansion is by hiking the Lower Macleay Trail. You can make a whole morning out of your eclipse viewing by getting up early and taking the 5-mile out-and-back trail up to the Pittock Mansion. You can also drive and park at the mansion to reach the viewpoint.

Once there, you’ll have an ideal view of the city and the rising Sun from your eastern facing vantage point in front of the mansion.

The Pittock Mansion is located at 3229 NW Pittock Drive in Portland.

Council Crest Park

Council Crest is the highest point in Portland. On a clear day, you can see all five mountains and the entire city below you. There are sidewalks and some nice grassy areas you can claim as your spot to view the eclipse. 

The park is at SW Council Crest Drive in Portland.

Vista House

If you’re up for a short drive outside the city, head to the Columbia Gorge’s crown jewel, Vista House.

Located about 30 minutes outside Portland, Vista House sits atop Crown Point, which has nearly 365 degree views of the gorge standing 733 feet above the Columbia River. The parking lot does fill up fast so plan on getting there early and carpooling. 

Vista House is located at 40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy. in Corbett.

Events in and around Portland

OMSI Partial Solar Eclipse Viewing

Join OMSI for the partial solar eclipse with space science activities, a special educator talk and multiple viewing options from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Gather in the front plaza to see the eclipse or watch a livestream from cities along the eclipse’s direct path in the planetarium or theater.

Planetarium admission is $7.50 per person and theater admission is $8 per person. If you want to explore more of the museum, general admission is $19. Activities in the front plaza are free. 

I’m currently looking for partial solar eclipse events in the Portland metro area. If you know of any local public events, send me an email.

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You may also like:

Planetarium Sky Theater Shows at Mt. Hood Community College

Discount Day at OMSI

Free First Thursdays at Portland Art Museum