Cottonwood Canyon State Park
About
Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a scenic and tranquil state park in North Central Oregon. Spanning over 16,000 acres of public land, Oregon’s second-largest state park offers a unique combination of geological formations, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities.
Situated in Sherman and Gilliam County, Cottonwood Canyon State Park is about 23 miles south of Wasco. The park is positioned along the John Day River, one of the longest undammed rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The surrounding terrain is a mix of rolling hills, sagebrush steppe, and rugged canyons, characteristic of the Columbia Plateau’s dry, arid environment.
The staff and management at Cottonwood Canyon State Park have undertaken various efforts to protect and preserve the park’s night skies as a part of a growing number of parks and public lands that prioritize the protection of the night sky. The park staff has minimized light pollution by using low-intensity lighting, removing unnecessary lighting, and retrofitting existing light fixtures in and around park facilities. These lights are designed and retrofitted to minimize light pollution while providing enough light for visitors to navigate the park at night safely.
Staff have implemented interpretive programs for visitors to raise awareness about preserving dark skies. Working with the Rose City Astronomers, programs include stargazing events and educational talks on the impacts of light pollution.
The park’s remote location, far from major urban light sources, makes it an ideal site for stargazing and dark sky preservation. Cottonwood Canyon State Park is open year-round, offering opportunities for several outdoor recreational activities such as wildlife viewing, camping, hunting, fishing, rafting, and stargazing. Visitors should note no cell coverage within Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Visit Cottonwood Canyon State Park for more information.
Area
65 Sq. Km
Designated
2024
Category
International Dark Sky Park
Address
99989 Highway 206
Wasco, OR 97065
Google Maps
Contact
Stanley Peterson
Park Ranger
Scott Green
Park Manager
Website
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Documents
Application
Announcement
Annual Report
Weather
Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for viewing the night sky near Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Don’t forget to plan your trip during the new moon and after astronomical twilight to enhance the viewing experience!
