SkyLark: RCA Dark Sky Site

SkyLark is RCA's very own dark sky site, purchased in June of 2024. Located in Central Oregon, it is about 3.5 hours from OMSI.

Please read through all of the following information on this web page before visiting SkyLark.

The site is for members and their guests and is a benefit of RCA membership. The Visitors Guide and Code of Conduct ensures everyone can enjoy the site for the purpose of astronomy. Before visiting, please read ALL of the guide. Additionally, you must agree to abide by the code of conduct and have your first visit be during one of the scheduled RCA events.

Have a question? Check out the forum or email observing@rosecityastronomers.org

About the Property

• This 10 acre plot lies in rural Crook County 20 miles South of Prineville and 20 miles East of Bend. Altitude is ~4000 feet.

• The site is flat with mostly sagebrush and juniper, and has good horizons in all directions.

• There is a building on site which contains a flush toilet, covered breezeway, and warming room.

• There is cell phone coverage on site.

• This is a primitive site, do not expect any electricity, drinking water, or trash service.

• Summers can be hot, reaching into the 90’s during the day. At night things will cool down significantly. After about October there is a possibility of snow on the ground.

• The site will primarily be for use between April and October.

• The site has a gate with a lock.

• During the observing season we host new moon events at the site. Members are welcome to these events and, once you have attended one of the events you are free to come back and observe whenever you like.

• To keep Skylark self sustaining there is a small registration fee required from all visitors.

• Members can bring up to three non-member guests. Due to parking limitations, non-members must travel with host member.