Maupin Star Party Location

Please review the Observing Site Instructions before arriving
500kb PDF

The Rose City Astronomers have been granted permission to use private property approximately 8 miles West of the town of Maupin for members-only Star Parties.

As this is a new experience for the property owners, we need to be especially careful of the property and gracious to our hosts - so hopefully we will be invited back. We expect that several curious neighbors and people from the community may join us on one or both evenings.

The Maupin Observing Site is located on a private airstrip about 8 miles east of Maupin, Oregon. Warning: this airstrip is used in the morning, but at the far end of the airfield. Most people don't even wake up.

There is no registration for the event itself, just show up and enjoy the weekend. 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 some serious observing.

45° 8' 46"' north - 121° 13' 42" west

Flash Earth Map HERE

Printable PDF instructions & Map here
500kb PDF

It can always be cold at night no matter what the season, so bring warm clothing.

Our host owns the nearby Walters Corner store (see map) and everyone is encouraged to stop in and buy gas and groceries, or just say hello and thank you.

RVs, trailers and tents will be allowed on the observing site (see observing site map for instructions). The town of Maupin offers lodging, restaurants and recreation if you don't want to rough it. We will have a portable outhouse on site.

OK to arrive anytime on Friday - need to be off the property by Noon on Sunday. NOTE: The site is located at one end of an active airstrip. The property owner may be flying out and back early on both Saturday and Sunday morning. We will not be in his way, but consider this due warning about the noise this will make (which many slept through last year).

There is no formal registration for the event itself, just show up and enjoy the weekend. 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 some serious observing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact David Nemo (503-224-6366) or contact the Observing Director.

Driving Directions:

We'll be camping on a private airstrip about 100 miles (as the crow flies) from Portland and you have two routes to choose from:

1) Take Hwy 26 east over Mount Hood. About 12 miles beyond Government Camp turn left onto Hwy 216, towards Pine Grove and Maupin. About 6 miles east of Pine Grove at the intersection of Reservation Road and Hwy 216 there is Walters Corner store (a small gas station and store). Here you'll turn left onto Old Wapinitia Road and continue 2 miles. You will see the airstrip on the right hand side of the road, just past the Kelly Cutoff Road.

2) Take I-84 east from Portland to The Dalles and take the Hwy 197 exit south. Go through Dufur and past Tygh Valley. About 7 miles past Tygh Valley take a right onto Hwy 216. Go about 4½ miles and take the right onto the Kelly Cutoff Road. At the end of the road turn right and the airstrip is on your right.

Plan on a 2.5-3 hour drive from Portland via Highway 26, and 3-4 hours via Highway 84, plus any stops you may make.

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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:

Meals are on your own. There is a small store at the gas station at the west end of Old Wapinita Road. Tygh Valley and Maupin have grocery stores and there are a couple of cafes in Maupin.

Lodging:

Tent camping, Trailers and RVs are welcome on site.

There is a couple of motels in Maupin, but they fill up quickly with people rafting on the Deschutes river that runs through Maupin.

Bring whatever you need, we only furnish a porta-potty.

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Reservations:

Registration and reservations are not needed for this informal campout. However, if you plan on staying in a nearby motel in Maupin, be aware that they fill up quickly with the rafters.

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