Star Parties Liven Up Oregon Coast Range, Rooster Rock in Astronomical Ways

Published 07/15/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Vernonia, Oregon) – The Oregon Coast Range and the Columbia River Gorge will be the site of many spaced-out evenings. Above: Rockaway Beach and Manzanita's Neahkahnie Mountain (below) on the north Oregon coast are prime for all sorts of astronomical eyefuls.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park in the Oregon Coast Range and Rooster Rock State Park host a series of free stargazing events this summer, offering visitors a chance to take in the night sky during three evening programs in July, August and September.

The parks are teaming up with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers for the 2026 OMSI Star Party, which features a dusk presentation followed by telescope viewing from 9 to 11 p.m. Volunteers will supply telescopes, though guests may bring their own. Weather permitting, participants can look for stars, the moon and visible planets.

Park staff say the nighttime setting adds a different dimension to the parks. “After dark, everything feels calmer, quieter, and a little more magical,” said Jeremy Williams, a ranger at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.

Jim Todd runs OMSI's astronomy attractions and many of the star parties.

“OMSI Star Parties provide a fantastic opportunity to meet other people who share their interest in astronomy, and to view the planets, moon, stars, and other celestial sights through telescopes and binoculars of all sizes,” Todd told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

Admission to the events is free, but day-use parking requires a $10 permit or an annual pass. Visitors are advised to bring chairs, blankets, warm layers, snacks and water. Bug repellent is recommended, and red-light flashlights are encouraged to preserve night vision; covering a regular flashlight or phone with red tape works as well.

LL Stub Stewart State Park

Star maps and suggested astronomy apps will be available. Guests should plan to arrive early, park only in designated areas and note that overnight camping is not allowed in day-use lots. Campground reservations are available at stateparks.oregon.gov.

Because weather can affect visibility, OMSI will post any same-day cancellations on its website. Forecasts currently point to favorable viewing conditions.

Rooster Rock State Park

Rooster Rock Ranger Elika Paki said the Perseid meteor shower is a highlight for many visitors. “Whether you come to Rooster Rock to count Perseids or simply to spend a peaceful evening under the stars, the meteor shower is a wonderful excuse to slow down, look up, and experience the Gorge in a whole new light,” Paki said.

All events begin at dusk, and parks close at 11:45 p.m.

Event Schedule

Summer Night Sky — Saturday, July 18
• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

Perseid Meteor Shower Watch — Wednesday, August 12
• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
• Rooster Rock State Park

Equinox Celebration — Saturday, September 12
• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

More details on parking, pets and accessibility are available on the event pages for both parks and on OMSI’s website. Oregon State Parks hosts stargazing programs statewide; additional listings can be found on the agency’s events page.

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