Observatories are home to some of the biggest and most impressive telescopes in the world. As many amateur astronomers know, there are numerous ways to experience the night sky beyond looking through a telescope in your own backyard. Oregon has impressive observatories that offer a wide variety of star parties, tours, and observatory programs that will expand your knowledge of astronomy and your love of the night sky, whether you are new to astronomy or have been in the hobby for years.
For your convenience, we have compiled an alphabetical list of observatories in Oregon that offer programs for the public.
Disclaimer: This information was collected from the observatories’ websites in October 2024. Some information may be subject to change if the websites are updated. If interested in visiting one of the listed observatories, please contact the observatory for the latest information before you visit.
Haggart Observatory
The Haggart Observatory is located at Clackamas Community College's Environmental Learning Center on the Oregon City Campus. Originally opening in 1989, its construction was the result of strong community support and donations.
Telescopes
The featured telescope in the Haggart Observatory Dome is a 24-inch (f/4.8) Newtonian reflector telescope. The 500-pound tube assembly rests in a Dobsonian-style mount riding on Teflon "O" pads which allows full movement with just hand pressure. The mount sits on a motor-driven, nested-cone equatorial table. Also available is a 254mm f/3.9 Steve Swayze Dobsonian, 152mm f/8 Celestron Dobsonian and 15x70 Barska binoculars.
Visiting
Image Credit: Taras Kovch
This observatory holds scheduled Public Nights. The schedule for these events can be found on the website, and although admission is free, viewings are on a first come first serve basis. Opening times can be found at their website.
Oregon Observatory at Sunriver
This observatory is located in Sunriver, Oregon, at the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory.
Telescopes
When the roofs disappear, Sunriver Observatory have the largest collection of telescopes for public viewing in the US such as Dobsonians, Mounted Newtonians, Refractors, Ritchey-Chretien and Schmidt Cassegrains to name a few.
Visiting
This observatory is open and caters to the general public. They hold many events, including public nights and 1-hour private star parties, and tickets are required for entry. View their admissions page to see pricing and events.
Image Credit: Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory
Pine Mountain Observatory
This observatory is located 34 miles southeast of Bend, in Central Oregon. The observatory is operated by the University of Oregon Department of Physics under a special use permit from the Deschutes National Forest. The observatory’s primary function is research and other astronomical observations, including basic and advanced scientific research.
Telescopes
The observatory features a 24-inch telescope and is the prime visual instrument for visitor viewing. Several smaller portable telescopes are also available. A robotically operated 14-inch telescope has been installed in a new smaller dome. The telescope is equipped with a research camera, and so is not available for visual observing.
Visiting
This observatory holds scheduled Public Nights. The schedule for these events can be found on the website here. A $5 donation per person is requested upon entrance.
Image Credit: University of Oregon
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