Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Where the Galaxy Comes to Life Above the Oregon Coast

Updated Periodically
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

Where the Galaxy Comes to Life Above the Oregon Coast

(Oregon Coast) – That old saying of “on a clear day you can see forever” can – believe it or not – be applied to parts of the Oregon coast at night as well. Astronomy isn't the first thing that comes to mind when people think of this shoreline, and granted it's not ideal for deep space viewing. Overcast skies and ocean mists make that problematic. But there are times and places where the interstellar simply explodes above you. (Above: the stars and moon leave a massive trail in Manzanita).

When the Oregon coast clears up – and it's more often than people think – the complete lack of light interference in many areas brings out the best in the starlight and the glorious Milky Way. Those high vantage points that during the day cause the mouth to fall agape at the stunning sights and endless horizons can make an even bigger splash after dark. Don't be surprised to catch more shooting stars than usual by simply pausing at these places at night for a mere few minutes.

Part of the reason is that the higher elevation spots can be free of those pesky mists, but even the lowland beaches can become so remarkably clear it's as if you've walked into a planetarium.

Where to go?


Down around Depoe Bay and a tad north of Newport, Cape Foulweather may be the mother of all nocturnal viewpoints. Things are pitch black here as well, but the stars can really put on a show from this 500-foot-high vantage point.


Another awesome high point lurks just south of Yachats, near Cape Perpetua. Actually, a few high viewpoints are between here and Ocean Beach Picnic Ground, about ten miles farther south. Cape Perpetua would the most incredible of nocturnal viewing spots along the Oregon coast, standing 800 feet high. But it is closed at night. So you'll have to do with some of the overlooks along the way. But none will disappoint if you're looking to either engage in a bit of beachside astronomy and discovery – or for that matter simply find a romantic, starlit moment high above the waves.


On the north Oregon coast, just south of Cannon Beach, those famed pullouts so enjoyed during the daytime can provide incredible viewing of things like shooting stars, aligning of planets and whatnot. They're also fairly safe as they're set a ways back from traffic. You'll be looking down at the rocks of Silver Point if you start viewing from here.


Also incredible in Cannon Beach itself is Ecola State Park, with the lights of the city in the distance making for some seriously charming glows.


A bit further south of Cannon Beach, about 15 minutes down the road is Neahkahnie Mountain and Manzanita. This is perhaps the best of them all. Here, you're up above the sea a few hundred feet in the air, with absolutely no lights around you. The only drawback is the lack of a view to the east because of 1600-foot Neahkahnie Mountain right behind you.

Near Oceanside – about 20 minutes from Tillamook – sits Anderson's Viewpoint, a spot famous for launching handgliders during the day. You're quite safe from passing traffic here as well, and in fact there's almost none at night. But that, in a sense, is part of the drawback to this place: there's no traffic here because this road – the Three Capes Loop between Oceanside and Pacific City – is a bit of a handful to drive during the day. It's even more so at night. Oregon Coast Hotels in these areas - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW




Depoe Bay's Rodea Point

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Coastal Spotlight

LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

First Day of Spring Astronomy Above Portland, Oregon / Washington Coast: This...
It will be officially so on Tuesday, March 19 - and there's an eclipse coming. Weather
Washington / Oregon Coast Astronomy Fun with Groundhog Day, 'Da Vinci Glow'
Look for a planetary conjunction and earthshine. Sciences
Florence Chamber Gives Away Two-Night Stay and Dinner at the Oregon Coast
Enter for the chance to win at their website. Florence events
Moon at Its Brightest, Highest - Planets Put on Show Above Oregon, Washington...
Helping to create a minor king tide, other intriguing sky sciences
Six Rescued from Stranded Crabbing Boat on N. Oregon Coast's Tillamook Bay
The boat lost power while crabbing on Friday night. Beach safety, weather
UPDATE: Solar Flare Erupts on Sun, Largest in Years / Video - What Washington...
An X2.8 solar flare; among the highest. Weather, astronomy
Last-Minute, Same-Day Reservations Now At All Oregon Coast, Inland State Camp...
Book as late as a few minutes before midnight and arrive. Weather
Oregon Coast Cyber Monday 2023: Giving the Beach in Swag or a Night's Stay
There are some cool little tricks to getting gifts here. Weather

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted