Stargazing at Fort Rock: Geminids Meteor Shower
Experience the Geminids Meteor Shower in the Oregon Outback, the largest contiguous dark sky shed in the United States
December 2026 | Available Dec. 11th - 13th | Friday - Sunday
Photos by Cody Rheault
about
Adventure: The Geminids Meteor Shower is one of the most plentiful meteor showers that grace our night skies each year! Join us for a night of exploration in the Oregon Outback as we revel in the grandeur of the Geminids Meteor Shower. Our stargazing adventure will take us to Fort Rock, an ancient volcanic tuff ring that rises out of the flatness of the high desert.
Naturalist Guided Experience: The tuff ring of Ft. Rock’s pinnacles rise above an ancient ocean bed and much like the geologic history of other Central Oregon formations such as Smith Rock, the area’s geology can be traced back to volcanic activity. It is an area that is locally referred to as the Sagebrush Ocean, a stunning piece of America’s landscape filled with raptors, coyotes and cowboys. The area is also home to some of the oldest evidence of human civilization in North America. Fort Rock is an absolutely incredible stargazing destination, lying just north of the newly designated Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary. The Oregon Outback as a whole, is the largest contiguous dark sky shed in the United States, boasting some of the best stargazing in the entire world. That, coupled with new moon phase will make this night truly spectacular!
The astronomical forecast for this December’s Geminids is excellent! Peaking on Sunday, December 13th with the moon in a near-new phase, the Geminids are in perfect position to truly shine! The days surrounding the peak are also forecasted to have good visibility with the new moon sitting below the horizon during our time at Fort Rock.
The Geminids Meteor Shower begins Dec. 4th and ends Dec. 20th, peaking on Dec. 13th. If you are unable to join us from the 11-13th, our Starlight & Moonlight Snowshoe Tours from Dec. 4-20th will still hold the opportunity to see meteors!
details
$140 per person
Tour Dates & Times:
Dec. 11, 12 & 13th: 6:30PM - 11:00PM
TOUR INCLUDES
Professional naturalist guide & award-winning interpretation
Drinks: Hot cocoa
Transportation: Departing from our office
PLEASE BRING
Warm jacket/ layers for cold, variable weather, hat, gloves, warm socks, etc.
Water or snacks if desired
Camp chair and/or blanket to keep warm and cozy while stargazing
Weather & Visibility: We are fortunate to be on the dry side of the Cascades, getting over 300 days of clear skies and sunshine per year. With that said this tour will run regardless of rain, cloudy skies, etc. You can learn more about our weather and cancellation policy here.
Tour Minimums: The minimum total number of guests for this tour is 6. We will reach out 2 weeks prior to the tour date if we do not have 6 guests signed up.
You can find all of our Dark Sky & Stargazing focused Special Events and Daily Tours here!
Accessibility: If you are interested in joining the tour but have mobility challenges, please call our office and inquire about the use of an AdvenChair. You can learn more about the AdvenChair and specific tours tailored for accessibility here.
Photo by Jay Geib
Daily Tours that feature Stargazing
Starlight & Moonlight Canoe Tour
Starlight Snowshoe Tour
Starlight Cave Tour
Bonfire on the Snow Snowshoe Tour
