Sanctuary · OR, US
Oregon Outback
Oregon Outback is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary covering the remote high desert of Lake County, Oregon, certified in 2024. It is billed as the largest certified sanctuary in the world, with Bortle 1 skies and sparse population. The website lists no lodging or camping, so base yourself in Lakeview, and watch the sanctuary's Facebook page for community sky events.
Official site (opens in new tab) View on OpenStreetMap (opens in new tab) Source (opens in new tab)
| Type | Sanctuary |
| State / Province | OR |
| Country | United States |
| Nearest town | Lakeview |
| Certified | 2024 |
| Coordinates | 42.1907, -120.4851 |
| Source | https://darksky.org/places/oregon-outback-international-dark-sky-sanctuary-oregon/ (opens in new tab) |
Plan Your Night
Tonight’s moon
New Moon
1% illuminated. Rises 6:26 AM PST. Sets 4:13 PM PST. Times are local to the park.
Next new moon
November 9, 2026
The darkest, best-for-stargazing night in the current lunar cycle. See the full trip planner for the next 12 months of new-moon windows.
Upcoming meteor showers
- Leonids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, November 17, 2026
- Geminids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 13, 2026
- Ursids Meteor Shower Peak 2026, December 22, 2026
5 nearest dark sky places
- Massacre Rim Wilderness Study Area · 86 km (53 mi)
- Prineville Reservoir State Park · 216 km (134 mi)
- Sisters, Oregon · 249 km (155 mi)
- Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve · 264 km (164 mi)
- Antelope Basecamp · 303 km (188 mi)