
Sisters, Oregon

About
Sisters, Oregon, is located in the heart of central Oregon within Deschutes County, approximately 200 miles southeast of Portland and just 20 miles from Bend. This charming town, established in the 1880s, boasts a western-style aesthetic and a close-knit community of around 3,475 residents. Encircled by stunning forests and mountains, Sisters offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking and skiing.
The town is flanked by the Deschutes National Forest on three sides, positioned between lush Ponderosa Pine forests to the west and arid high desert landscapes to the east. It is home to diverse wildlife, featuring a local herd of deer and native fish species such as redband trout and steelhead salmon. The region was initially inhabited by the Paiute, Warm Springs, and Wasco peoples before European settlers arrived in the late 1860s, ultimately leading to the town’s establishment in 1901 and its incorporation in 1946. While early industries focused on sheepherding and timber, tourism began to flourish in the 1970s with the development of nearby resorts.
Since the formation of the local astronomy club in 2000, community members have been committed to dark sky preservation through a range of educational and outreach initiatives. As part of the certification application process, the city made significant enhancements to its dark skies outdoor lighting ordinance, ensuring it met the standards established by DarkSky International. The introduction of an astronomy curriculum in local high schools and the ongoing collection of night sky quality data have been vital in monitoring the effects of artificial light and the resulting sky glow.
Sisters is known for its clear nights and low light pollution, making it an ideal destination for stargazing and enjoying safe, responsible outdoor lighting. With extensive public lands nearby, outdoor enthusiasts can engage in various recreational activities—from hiking and exploring alpine lakes to skiing at nearby resorts—all within a three-hour drive from Portland and the Pacific Ocean.
Area
4.96 sq km
Designated
2025
Category
International Dark Sky Community
Address
Sisters City Hall
520 Cascade Avenue
Sisters, OR 97702
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Click here to find ideal environmental conditions for enjoying dark skies in Sisters, OR (44.291 -121.544).