Oregon Caves has officially joined the ranks of an elite group of places worldwide, earning certification as an International Dark Sky Park from DarkSky International. It is the second such designated location in Oregon; the other is Prineville Reservoir State Park, and the nearby Oregon Outback holds the prestigious title of International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

This achievement marks the culmination of a multi-year effort by park staff to restore and enhance the natural darkness of the region, reflecting a broader commitment to conservation and the holistic stewardship of the Siskiyou Mountains’ unique ecosystem.

The History of Oregon Caves

Oregon Caves held significance for Native American tribes long before its establishment as a national monument. The cave system and surrounding lands were part of the ancestral territories of various Indigenous peoples, including the Takelma and Shasta tribes. While the caves themselves were not extensively used for habitation, the region’s natural features – including the caves, nearby rivers, and forests – were vital for cultural, spiritual, and practical purposes.

“Discovered” in 1859 by Elijah Davidson, a local prospector, the caves quickly became a geological curiosity, drawing visitors and sparking interest in their preservation. The monument designation in 1909, signed by President William Howard Taft, was a pivotal moment in the early conservation movement, setting aside the caves as a protected area under the National Park Service. In 2014, the park’s designation was expanded to include the surrounding National Preserve, a move aimed at preserving the area’s rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

Today, Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve spans 4,554 acres of diverse landscapes, including old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and rugged rock gardens. The preserve not only protects rare plant and animal species but also safeguards critical hydrological features like snow-fed streams that flow into the park’s subterranean cave system. These waters feed the River Styx, the nation’s only subterranean Wild and Scenic River.

Becoming a Dark Sky Park

The path to Dark Sky certification required significant effort and collaboration across multiple park divisions; a key component of this initiative was a comprehensive lighting assessment, which aimed to reduce light pollution without compromising the park’s historical integrity. This effort included modernizing lighting fixtures within the Historic District while preserving the park’s cultural landmarks. Simultaneously, the park established its first night sky monitoring program, tracking the conditions of the night sky over a three-year period.

The results, which reveal a remarkably pristine environment for stargazing, have positioned Oregon Caves as an unparalleled destination for night sky enthusiasts. “We are thrilled to join the Dark Sky community and play a role in preserving Oregon’s natural nightscapes,” said park superintendent Jeremy Curtis. “This certification reflects our dedication to ensuring that visitors can experience not only the natural wonders below ground but the celestial beauty above it.”

The night skies at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve have long been a hidden gem, offering a dazzling celestial spectacle free from the interference of urban light pollution. “The vast brilliance of the night sky above the park offers an incredibly immersive experience,” said Dr. Joshua Zimmt, who led the park’s application for Dark Sky status. “Even in small clearings throughout the forest, the stars are so vivid they create a breathtaking, almost otherworldly experience.”

Looking ahead, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve plans to continue its commitment to preserving the region’s natural darkness, both above and below ground. Future infrastructure improvements will adhere to DarkSky International’s best practices, ensuring that all updates support the park’s conservation goals while enhancing the visitor experience.

“This achievement is a testament to the power of conservation and community engagement,” said Amber Harrison, International Dark Sky Places Program Manager. “Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is the 46th site administered by the National Park Service to be inducted into the Dark Sky program, and its success offers a model for other parks aiming to protect natural and celestial resources alike.”

The certification as an International Dark Sky Park provides Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve with the opportunity to inspire visitors not only through its rich geological and ecological history but also by offering a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience, deeply rooted in the commitment to preserving the natural environment for generations to come.