Cottonwood Canyon State Park is the newest addition to the International Dark Sky Places Program. Cottonwood is the third International Dark Sky Park to be certified in Oregon, and the sixth International Dark Sky Place in Oregon to earn this honor, joining:
- City of Antelope International Dark Sky Community,
- Oregon Caves National Monument International Dark Sky Park,
- Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary,
- Prineville Reservoir International Dark Sky Park, and
- Sunriver International Development of Distinction.
DarkSky International retains a global committee of experts who rigorously review dark sky place applications from around the world. For a deep dive, here is Cottonwood Canyon’s successful application for certification as an International Dark Sky Park.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park comprises over 16,000 acres of public land along the lower John Day River. The Park was purchased from the non-profit group Western Rivers Conservancy in 2011 to protect natural and cultural resources. Cottonwood is open year-round and offers 21 reservable campsites, 14 first-come tent-only sites, and four cabins. In addition to camping, Cottonwood also provides miles of hiking trails, hunting, fishing, rafting, and many other recreational opportunities along the beautiful John Day River. The Park is also one of Oregon’s naturally dark parks, remote and nestled among deep canyon walls, making it an ideal location to stargaze.