Come watch the sun set behind Asterisk Pass at Smith Rock State Park, then head across the street to the Asterisk Observatory to further marvel at the majesty of the cosmos!
Grand Opening special offer
All bookings made for Spring 2024 come with a complimentary Asterisk Observatory mug!
‘Sleep Under The Stars’ Hosted Observatory Experience
A hosted experience at The Spot At Smith Rock’s Asterisk Observatory will include a short educational presentation, night sky observing through our 17-inch telescope, a guided constellation tour, stargazing, and a Q & A period with hot beverages. Hosted experiences are offered nightly in March, April, May, June, September, and October between the 3rd quarter and 1st quarter lunar phases when the sky is darkest. Your group’s visit to the observatory includes an overnight stay at The Spot At Smith Rock for up to 6 people. Group sizes of 8 or 10 can be accommodated for an additional cost.
All hosted experiences run about 90 minutes with a start time dependent on the time of sunset at that time of year.
Program start times are as follows:
March 29-April 15: 8:30 pm
May 2-15: 9:15 pm
May 30-June 9: 9:30 pm
Aug 29-Sep 8: 8:30 pm
Sep 28-Oct 8: 7:30 pm
In the event that the observatory cannot open because of clouds or high winds, an engaging alternate activity will be offered.
This experience is not recommended for children ages 6 and younger.
Important information about your visit
It can get very cold at night in the high desert! Dress in warm layers and footwear. Hats and gloves are recommended.
Closed-toe shoes are required.
No food or open containers are allowed in the observatory.
Pets are not allowed for shared experiences.
Smoking on the property is not allowed.
There are no minimum age requirements, but the observatory is located in a natural environment with unprotected cliffs and other hazards. Children must be supervised at all times.
If you have a camp chair, you may bring it for use during the guided constellation tour.
Cancellation policy
No refunds will be given. In the event of cloudy skies or other conditions that do not allow the operation of the telescope, an engaging alternative experience will be offered.
Rebookings or transfers may be made at least 3 days before the hosted experience date with the following fees:
7 or more days prior to the booked date: No fee
3-6 days prior to the booked date: 20% transfer/rebooking fee
Less than 72 hours prior to the booked date: Rebookings will not be accepted. Transfers will be subject to a 20% transfer fee.
Getting here
The Asterisk Observatory is located at The Spot At Smith Rock. Drive past the Smith Rock State Park Welcome Center yurt, and your destination will be just ahead on the right at 10136 NW Crooked River Dr.
FAQs
Q: What if we just want to come for the hosted astronomy experience and don't want to spend the night?
A: All visitors to the observatory must be guests at The Spot, but your departure time is your prerogative.
Q: What if I want to come by myself or as a group of 2?
A: The rooms in The Spot guesthouse can be booked separately. You may be sharing The Spot with up to 3 other groups. Pictures of the guesthouse can be seen here.
You may arrive at The Spot at Smith Rock anytime between when Smith Rock State Park closes at dusk (30 minutes after sunset) and the start of the hosted experience.
Cost would be:
$149 for 1 person in a room with a queen bed and shared bathroom
$179 for 1 person in a room with a king bed and private bathroom
$99 for 1 additional person in a room -OR- 1 person camping on the grounds with shared bathroom, no shower
$79 for 1 additional youth (age 7-17) in a room -OR- camping on the grounds with shared bathroom, no shower
Q: What if I want to book during bright time (when the moon is present in the evening sky) or over the summer or in winter?
A: A visit to the observatory (with an astronomer from our team) can be added on to a Spot At Smith Rock booking for $450. The observatory operates nightly during dark time (i.e. when the moon is not present in the evening sky) in the Spring and Fall. Outside of these times, The Spot can be booked here and there is a 2-night minimum stay (use of the observatory can be booked separately for a single evening).
