Best Stargazing Spots in and near Portland

Photo by tommy haugsveen

Welcome to the enchanting world of stargazing in Portland! In this city, we’re known for our wonderful outdoor escapes and close proximity to nature. Take your exploration of the Rose City to another level by visiting the best stargazing spots in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding area.

Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or a curious novice, Portland offers a unique blend of urban convenience and nearby dark skies, perfect for exploring the universe above. Plus, there is a whole astronomical community here to support your stargazing adventure with free events and resources. 

Let’s delve into the best spots, tips and events for stargazing in and around the Rose City. Grab your telescope or binoculars, pack a blanket and prepare to be amazed by the night sky just a short distance from your front door. 

Best Stargazing Spots In and Near Portland

There are lots of great places to stargaze in Portland, whether you want to stay in the city or take a short drive to areas with less light pollution. Before you go, here are some steps you can take to make the most of your stargazing experience. 

Stargazing Tips

Check the weather and moon phase.

During the day, check the evening weather to ensure a clear night sky. Consider whether you’re interested in viewing primarily stars or the moon. The moon’s brightness can interfere with star viewing. When there is a new moon, the moon rises and sets with the sun and isn’t in the night sky. This is a good time to see stars at their brightest. Yet, if you want to view the moon in all its glory, go out near or during the full moon phase. 

Also, pack lots of layers, snacks, water, bug repellent and anything else you need to enjoy the outdoors. 

Rent a telescope.

Having the right equipment will help you see the stars like never before. If you have one, here’s how you can borrow equipment.

Rose City Astronomers has a telescope library. Members can access a wide variety of astronomical equipment by reserving it online and picking it up at OMSI on select days. Choose from beginner friendly to more advance equipment. You can even attend a monthly telescope workshop to learn more about operating the equipment. 

The family/individual membership to Rose City Astronomers is $30 for a full year. You can have up to five family members included in this price. 

Another rental option may be available with your library card. Libraries across the Portland metro have Library of Things, a full catalog of items you can rent for free.

While Multnomah County libraries don’t offer this service, neighboring city libraries do. And you can use your Multnomah County library card to access several libraries in other counties. For example, Washington County libraries, including Beaverton Public Library, Hillsboro Brookwood Library, Hillsboro Shute Park Library and Tigard Public Library, along with Clackamas County libraries in Canby, Estacada, Hoodland, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sandy, West Linn and Wilsonville have Library of Things. 

Check the online catalog at your closest location to see if they have a telescope available to check out for your stargazing evening. 

Alternative: Bring binoculars.

Binoculars are essentially handheld telescopes and work great for stargazing. If you have a pair at home, be sure to add them to your bag before you go. 

Don’t want to stay up late?

Get up early. If you’re more of an early bird than a night owl, get up before the sunrise and view the stars. You’ll also be treated to a beautiful sunrise. 

Stargazing Locations In and Near Portland, Oregon

Ready to plan your astronomical adventure? Here are some great spots to stargaze in Portland and a short drive outside the city. 

Mount Tabor Park

Want to stargaze on an extinct volcano? Head to Mount Tabor Park. The west side has an opening in the tree canopy and great views of the city, making it a wonderful vantage point to lay down a blanket and stare at the sky. It is one of Portland’s best picnic parks and hosts lots of fun events, including the annual Portland Adult Soapbox Derby.

This is a great option if you don’t have a car. There are several bus stops near the park.

The park is open until midnight for bicycle and foot traffic, but car parking closes at 10 p.m. Plan on parking in the neighborhood near Mount Tabor or taking transit to the park Mount Tabor is located at SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street.

Rocky Butte Viewpoint

Head to one of the east side’s highest points for unobstructed views of the sky. What I have always referred to at the Rocky Butte viewpoint is at Joseph Wood Hill Park. It is the crown atop Rocky Butte Natural Area that provides stunning views extending from downtown Portland to the Columbia River Gorge. On blue sky days, you can see  fantastic views of our nearby mountains. 

At night, the viewpoint offers unobstructed views of the sky.

The parking area closes in the evening so be prepared to street park and walk up to the viewpoint. There are some bus stops nearby, but be prepared for a trek to the top if you plan on taking public transportation. 

Rocky Butte Natural Area is at NE Rocky Butte Road in Portland. The park is open from 5 a.m. to midnight. 

Council Crest Park

At 1,071 feet above sea level, Council Crest is the highest point in Portland city limits. On a clear day, you can see all five mountains and the city below you. There are sidewalks and a large lawn with several spots you can claim as your own to view the stars. 

The parking area closes in the evening so be prepared to street park and walk up to the viewpoint. There are also several bus stops near the park.

The park is at SW Council Crest Drive in Portland. The park is open from 5 a.m. to midnight. 

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

If you’re looking to stargaze surrounded by nature, take a short drive outside the city to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. The best part about this spot is the park encourages you to come and enjoy the night sky.

This is a great location for activities year-round and it is the location of several seasonal events, including OMSI Star Parties and Hollywood Theatre’s Outdoor Movies. 

You’ll want to drive to the Hilltop Day-use Area for a full view of the sky. It has a gorgeous westward view of the forest with covered picnic areas and a large grassy area ideal for staring up at the sky. 

There is a $5 day-use fee to enter the park. Pick up a free stargazing permit at the Hilltop Day-use Area kiosk. 

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is in Buxton, about an hour from Portland. 

Rooster Rock State Park 

Located along the Columbia River, Rooster Rock State Park offers lots on recreational opportunities, including disc golf, swimming, windsurfing, boating, fishing hiking and picnicking. There is a $5 day-use fee to access the park and its amenities. 

In the evening, you can get a view of the sky above the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. While the park closes at 10 p.m., there are select nights in the summer when it is open late for free OMSI Star Parties. It also hosts one of Hollywood Theatre’s Outdoor Movies. 

Rooster Rock is about 30 minutes from Portland in Corbett. 

Sauvie Island

Just 10 miles from downtown Portland is the most beautiful island filled with family farms and natural areas. If you’re looking to escape the light pollution, but don’t want to leave the city, this is an ideal place to view the stars in a quiet, tranquil setting. 

There are lots of places to park and stargaze in the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, including eastside wildlife viewing area, Sauvie Island Beach at the Columbia River and Oak Island Nature Trailhead near Sturgeon Lake. You can even make the drive shorter by going right across the bridge to the Gillihan Layover Terrace Parking Lot. Be sure to respect all posted parking restrictions and avoid people’s private property. 

Sauvie Island is northwest of the city along highway 30. 

Haggart Observatory

Haggart Observatory at Clackamas Community College lets you observe the night sky like never before. The college partners with Rose City Astronomers to provide free observatory viewings to the public.

Attendees observe the night sky through a 24-inch Newtonian reflector telescope in the observatory dome as well as several portable telescopes on the observatory deck.

Viewings are on a first-come basis. Events are cancelled if it is a cloudy night. 

Here are the upcoming events: 

June 13

9-11 p.m.

First quarter moon

August 10 

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Waxing crescent moon

August 12 

6-8 p.m.

First quarter moon

September 17

9-11 p.m.

Full moon

October 16

8-10 p.m.

Full moon

Clackamas Community College is at 19600 Molalla Ave. Oregon City. To get to the observatory at the Environmental Learning Center, travel on Beavercreek Road and turn onto Douglas Loop, and then turn right onto Inskeep Drive. You’ll see the Environmental Learning Center sign and parking is just beyond the entrance. 

Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint

This park sitting above Hillsboro has incredible panoramic views of the Tualatin and Yamhill valleys. Looking west, you’re treated to a view of the the coastal range and lush forests. 

The park has picnic tables and multiple areas where you can look up. 

The parking gate closes at 8 p.m., but there is an area where you can pull off of the road in front of the gate. There are also turnouts along this road where you can view the sky. 

The viewpoint is at 24730 SW Bald Peak Rd. in Hillsboro. 

Do you have a favorite place to stargaze in Portland, Oregon or the surrounding area? Send me a message!

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