Fort Rock: Sunset Hike and Stargazing

Stargaze in the Oregon Outback, the largest contiguous dark sky shed in the United States

Multiple dates available - details below

about

Adventure: Join us for a night of exploration in the Oregon Outback. Our stargazing adventure will take us to Fort Rock, an ancient volcanic tuff ring that rises out of the flatness of the high desert. We will begin our evening at Fort Rock just as the sun is setting to the west, taking in the last of the day’s light as we hike through this incredible National Landmark. After the sun’s light has faded we will settle down for a breathtaking night of celestial wonder!

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!

Picnic Style Dinner

Wanderlust Tours is proud to work with an incredible backcountry chef, who specializes in creating locally-sourced and seasonally-inspired meals to be enjoyed in the great outdoors! Our picnic style dinner will consist of your choice 3 incredible wraps as well as sides and a drink.

WANDERLUST WRAP: Natural turkey, Hill Meat co. bacon, white cheddar, pesto aioli, tomato, shaved kale & onion, Mama Lil's peppers on a tortilla

CHICKEN BBQ WRAP: Whiskey BBQ PNW pulled chicken, five spice roasted squash, chipotle aioli, red cabbage, white cheddar on a tortilla (This option can be prepared vegetarian, with tempeh)

BRUTUS SALAD: A vegan spin on the classic caesar— massaged kale, brutus dressing, cashew parm, crostini, charred lemon

For those that choose the picnic style dinner, you will receive an additional email after booking where you will be able to choose your desired wrap, add any dietary restrictions, etc.

What to expect for each date

Our Fort Rock Fall, Winter & Spring Tours will have us arriving at the stunning volcanic tuff ring just as the sun is setting to the west! We will enjoy a scenic sunset hike as the the light slowly fades beyond the horizon and we transition from day to night and begin our exploration into the twinkling heavens above! With the earlier start times due to winter’s shorter days, Wanderlust will offer a fantastic (optional) picnic style dinner to enjoy between sunset and nightfall.

November 22nd - New Moon: The moon will be in a new phase at 6% illumination, setting toward the end of our time at Fort Rock.

December 6th - Full Moon: The night of the 6th will deliver moonless skies, the possibility of seeing the Geminids Meteor Shower, and a full moon rise just as we wrap up our stargazing adventure at Fort Rock

December 19th - New Moon: The 19th will be a true new moon, giving us pristine dark skies. It will also hold the opportunity to witness the Geminids and Ursids meteor showers!

January 3rd - Full Super Moon: The Wolf Moon is one of only three super moons that we will see in 2026! It will rise shortly after we arrive at Fort Rock, ushering in a surely magical evening.

January 16th - New Moon: The moon will be at 4% illumination throughout the tour, giving us the beauty of the moon without the illumination impacting our views of the cosmos.

February 20th - New Moon: This evening will give us a combination of moon and stars, as the moon will be at 14% illumination and shining among the stars throughout the tour.

March 20th - New Moon: The moon, at 4% illumination will provide a picturesque sliver in the night sky alongside the shimmering cosmos beyond!

April 3rd - Full Moon: The 3rd will gift use a moon-free sky throughout the tour with a full moon rising just as we begin to leave Fort Rock!

April 17th - New Moon: A true new moon setting during our time at Fort Rock. If we are lucky, the skies may be clear enough to see the perfectly shadowed sphere as it sets. We may also be able to see meteors from the Lyrids Meteor Shower streaking across the sky!

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