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 Code of Conduct ensures everyone can enjoy the site for the purpose of astronomy. Before visiting 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

• Altitude: 4000 feet

• This 10 acre plot lies in rural Crook County 20 miles South of Prineville and 20 miles East of Bend.

• The site is flat and has good horizons in all directions.

• The vegetation is mostly sagebrush and juniper.

• There is a building on site which contains a flush toilet and sink.

• It also has a warming room and a covered deck.

• 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 and we aren’t sure yet whether that will prevent observing.

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

• The site has a gate with a lock.

• During the observing season we will 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.