Kah-Nee-Ta Messier Marathon Star Party
Advance Reservations Highly Recommended!

March 12-14. 2010

RCA Special Hotel Rate has not yet been set for 2010
check back here next week for pricing

You must make your own reservations and be sure to mention that you want the RCA rate.

RCA is NOT responsible for your reservations
or your deposit with the resort.
No Refunds within 72 hours of your first reserved night.

You don't even need a telescope to participate; other members are enthusiastic to share their views. This is a good opportunity for beginners to get acquainted and seasoned observers to get back into the groove. We look forward to seeing you there! 

44° 51' 33" North 121° 10' 47" West
Resort Location

Messier Lists
Log File by Howard Knytych
Simple Check Off list
Detailed Log - 110 pages (340kb)
Ultimate Messier Log (1.8mb)
Check Off list by RA
Telrad Charts
List for Binoculars

Known for its clear, dark skies this time of year, the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort offers a family retreat atmosphere with many amenities and activities. Come and observe your favorite objects under Central Oregon's clear dark skies, spend a wonderful weekend with other astronomers swapping observing stories and exchanging information, or even just spend a relaxing weekend with your family, all in comfortable accommodations that offer various other activities.

Kah-Nee-Ta affords a warm bed and hot shower (a great benefit in March), good food, and a giant fireplace. The Kah-Nee-Ta Resort has a variety of family activities in which all can participate. They roll out the carpet for RCA, offering us rooms at half off their regular prices as well as a social gathering room for daytime get-togethers.

There is no formal registration for the event itself, but you must make your own room reservations directly with Kah-Nee-Ta.

ACTIVITIES: An information sheet will be available at the general meeting, and in the social room during the event. This will include a map to the observing site. There are other activities available through the resort: hiking, a health spa, and casino gaming. Check the web site for more resort information at Kah-Nee-Ta.

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Driving Directions:

From Portland travel east on Hwy 26 past Mt. Hood Government Camp, turning south towards Bend at the junction on Mt. Hood. Approximately 29 miles east of Government Camp turn left at the big Kah-Nee-Ta sign onto Highway #9 towards Simnasho.

At Simnasho (about 6.5 miles) you will turn right at the stop sign onto Hwy #3.

At 13.2 miles from Simnasho on Hwy #3 take a left onto Warm Springs Road. You will come to the Kah-Nee-Ta Village about 1.25 miles further.

A Driving Map can be found here. Plan on a 2 hour drive from Portland via Highway 26, and 4 hours via Highway 84 and 97, plus any stops you may make.

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2009 Viewing Location: 44° 54.484' North 121° 9.727' West at 2336' elevation - NOTE: the 2010 viewing location might be different.

To get to the viewing area from Kah-Nee-Ta resort: Drive west on Warm Springs Rd 0.9 miles and take a right on 210 - Charley Canyon Rd. The road is not marked when heading westbound. Also note the first 100 yards of this road is rougher than the rest. The road is marked ‘no trespassing’ however we do have permission to use it. Reset your trip meter.

Proceed to the second cattle grate at 3.4 miles (the first grate is at around 2.7 mi). Immediately after the second cattle grate take a right into the observing area which will be marked with red lights. There is a slight hump to drive over which should not be a problem. After that, access and the observing site is smooth and free of obstacles.

Do not plan on leaving any equipment set up. You will have to pack it up and take it with you after each of your viewing sessions.

Don't forget to use parking lights in the viewing area, red flashlights, red covers for computer screens, etc. You know the drill.

If you are new to observing here is some information on Star Party Etiquette, Star Party Supplies and Star Party Tips.

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Meals:

Kah-Nee-Ta has a full service restaurant (reservations recommended) and a lounge. There is a gift shop, and a few vending machines.

Meals are on your own.

Lodging: There is only reserved lodging which must be arranged directly with the Resort by calling Kah-Nee-Ta directly at 1-800-554-4786 RCA is NOT responsible for your reservations or your deposit with the resort, regardless of the weather, pass conditions, etc. RCA has negotiated a special rate $78, single or double, plus $15 extra per person up to a maximum of four per room.  Children under 14 are free when occupying the same room as their parents.  This represents a savings of 50% over regular room rates. Kah-Nee-Ta has a policy that you will be charged for your first night if you cancel within 72 hours of your expected stay, regardless of the weather, pass conditions, etc.

Bring whatever you need for sleeping in a hotel and viewing in a remote area.

The full information for the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort is located on their web page.

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Kah-Nee-Ta Reservations:

RCA is NOT responsible for your reservations or your deposit with the resort.

To register for a room and get the to get the special rates you MUST call Kah-Nee-Ta directly at 1-800-554-4786 to make your reservation, ask for the special RCA star party rate $78. RCA has reserved only a certain number of rooms at the special rate so please make your reservations as soon as possible.

We have negotiated a special rate $78, single or double, plus $15 extra per person up to a maximum of four per room.  Children under 14 are free when occupying the same room as their parents. This represents a savings of 50% over regular room rates. 

Kah-Nee-Ta has a policy that you will be charged for your first night if you cancel within 72 hours of your expected stay, regardless of the weather, pass conditions, etc.

If you have questions about Kah-Nee-Ta call the resort at 1-800-554-4768.

The full information for the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort is located on their web page

If you have any further questions email the Star Party Chairman.

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