Oregon has some of the largest expanses of dark skies in the US. Photographers come from around the world to capture the infamous shot of Mt Hood and the Milky Way. I don’t pretend to be one of these great photographers but our guest, Dave Muller from Oklahoma, is one. I share his photo with his permission.
Look up in the sky after midnight and you might catch a glimpse of the Orionid meteor showers. The Orionid meteors come from one of the most famous comets, Halley, which is currently near the middle of its 76-year orbit around the sun. While the comet won’t make its appearance in Earth’s night sky until 2061, it leaves a trail of debris behind that our planet passes through every year, resulting in the Orionids.
Oregon’s Magnificent Dark Skies, some of the largest expanses of magnificent dark skies in the US. There are few experiences as humbling as staring into the cosmos. But while most of the stars above our cities and towns are obscured by the light we emit, it’s easy enough in Oregon to drive off into darkness to discover their greater beauty.
International Dark Sky Week, April 12-21, celebrates the wonders of the night sky, and raises awareness on light pollution.
- Quadrantids | December 28, 2025 – January 12 2026
- Lyrids | April 14 – 30, 2026
- Eta Aquarids | April 19 – 28, 2026
- Delta Aquarids | July 12th to August 23rd, 2026
- Perseids | July 17th to August 24th, 2026
- Orionids | October 2nd to November 7th, 2026
- Leonids | November 6th to November 30th, 2026
The amazing Geminid meteor shower occurs every year December 4th to December 17th, 2026. which is firmly in what is typically Oregon’s rainy season.
Cloud Cap Inn listed on Dark Sky Finder
Cloud Cap Inn is located at 6,000 feet elevation on the rouged northeast side of Mount Hood, and is listed on Dark Sky Finder. The air is exceptionally clear because of the altitude. There’s a light dome from Portland to the west, but the rest of the sky is very dark, with great views of Hood to the south.
The Cloud Cap Road is ten miles up, ten miles down. A gravel road, winding through the brittle spires left behind from the Gnarl Ridge and Dollar Lake fires. The best observing spot would be at the top of the road right next to the historic inn, where there aren’t too many trees in the way. This road is unmaintained and covered with snow during winter months. Perhaps a dark-sky ski adventure under the stars?
But you needn’t venture that far from Parkdale. Dave’s capture was taken just a couple miles up the road from us at the Old Parkdale Inn. He headed out about midnight, on a clear night for this amazing money shot. And we’d be glad to share some of close by dark sky options.
Thank you for trusting us to be your home away from home. We’ve posted our Hospitality and Health Policy on our website. Purchase a gift certificate for yourself or someone you know would enjoy time at the Old Parkdale Inn.
We invite you to read online reviews for the Old Parkdale Inn. And then we encourage you to go directly to our website and Book Direct for all the right reasons.
We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.
Book your stay at the Old Parkdale Inn and take advantage of our partnership with Wet Planet Whitewater Adventures – A 10% discount will be applied at checkout when you use the code we provide to book online.
