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Stargazing Tours at Black Butte Ranch

Marvel at our incredible universe under the dark skies of Sisters, an international dark sky community, with a guide. You’ll take in the brilliance of Central Oregon’s vast night sky while locating constellations, observing visible planets, the moon, and other celestial objects, and listening to ancient stories about the stars.

Tours begin about 30 minutes after sunset. Stay after the one-hour night sky tour to get a glimpse into the deep sky through a telescope. Each group receives a sky map, specialized to the month of viewing and binoculars to borrow. 

Tour Details

Tours are approximately one hour long and will begin once all payments are processed and waivers are collected. Your guide will stay after the formal presentation to answer any questions and facilitate using the deep-sky telescope. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to process your payment/complete waivers.

Where to meet

Please park at the very back of the Big Meadow golf parking lot past Robert’s pub. It is a short 3 minute walk on an accessible bark-chipped path into the meadow where we will stargaze.

What to Bring

warm layers

blanket to lay on or chair to sit in

curiosity and wonder!

Optional but encouraged

red light flashlight 

binoculars 

a sky viewing app on your phone, recommended is SkyView Lite–its free!

On the Ranch

Group Tours

2026 Tour Dates:
(Tour dates are subject to change due to weather or other conditions)

Sunday May 24 | 9:00PM | Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday June 13 | 9:30PM

Wednesday June 17 | 9:30PM 

Sunday June 21 | 9:30PM | ✨ Special Summer Solstice Tour

Wednesday June 24 | 9:30PM

Monday June 29 | 9:15PM | 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour

Friday July 3 | 9:30PM

Tuesday July 7 | 9:30PM

Friday July 10 | 9:30PM

Wednesday July 15 | 9:30PM

Sunday July | 19  9:15PM

Wednesday July | 22  9:15PM

Saturday July 25 | 9:15PM

Wednesday July 29 | 8:45PM | 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour

Saturday August 1 | 9:00PM

Wednesday August 5 | 9:00PM

Saturday August | 8  8:45PM | 💫 Special Perseids Meteor Shower Tour

Thursday August 13 | 8:45PM | 💫 Special Perseids Meteor Shower Tour

Sunday August | 16  8:45PM

Wednesday August 19 | 8:30PM

Saturday August |22  8:30PM

Thursday August 27 | 7:30PM | 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour

Saturday August | 29  8:15PM 

Wednesday September 2 | 8:00PM 

Sunday September 6 | 8:00PM 

Saturday September 12 | 8:00PM 

Saturday September 26 | 6:45PM | 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour 

Gaze at our closest celestial neighbor, our Moon, as she rises above the meadow. You’ll hear an ancient story with the Moon as a main character, and learn why our Moon is so critical to life on our planet.

2026 Full Moon Tour Dates:

Monday, June 29 | 9:15PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour
Wednesday, July 29 | 8:45PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour
Thursday, August 27 | 7:30PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour
Saturday, September 26 | 6:45PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour

Celebrate the turning of our season on the longest night of the year! You’ll hear an ancient story told on solstice night, and learn facts about this pivotal night of the year. 

2026 Summer Solstice Tour Date:

Sunday, June 21 | 9:30PM ✨ Special Summer Solstice Tour

You’ll see lots of shooting stars while learning all about meteors and why they periodically shower the earth.

2026 Perseids Meteor Shower Tour Dates:

Saturday, August 8 | 8:45PM 💫 Special Perseids Meteor Shower Tour
Thursday, August 13 | 8:45PM 💫 Special Perseids Meteor Shower Tour

Private Tours all year | Group Tours Memorial Day – September | Tours take place in the Big Meadow

Book Online with Starshine | 541-645-0688

YEAR ROUND RECREATION

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Activities

Year Round Recreation for the Entire Family.

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Ranch & Area Attractions

There is a place where you turn off the highway and enter a different pace of life. When you’ve got 1.6 million acres of pristine forest in your backyard, there’s no end to the adventures you can have.

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Equipment Rentals

We’ve got you covered with rentals for everything.

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Activity Guide

Check out what’s happening at BBR today.

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For Kids

Biking-riding, butterfly-chasing, creek-splashing kids agree: the Ranch is the ultimate playground.

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SPA

Enjoy some well-deserved restorative time with a luxurious facial, massage or body treatment.

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Water Activities

No room to pack all your gear? No worries—you can rent it here.

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Travel Guide

Headed our way? We’ve rounded up area’s latest news and happenings to help you plan your trip.

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Retail

Take a piece of the Ranch home with you. Our shops offer everything from local crafts to fun souvenirs and spa products.

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Horseback Riding

Saddle up and hit the trail for a ride with one of our professional wranglers.

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Biking

BBR is best explored by bike or explore 27 miles of paved paths at the Ranch.

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Favorite Trails

Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a challenging trek, we’ve got the perfect hike for you.

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Fishing

Learn the fundamentals of fly fishing here at the Ranch, or test your skills on the pristine waters of the McKenzie and Deschutes rivers.

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Swimming

Take a dip in one of our five swimming pools around the Ranch. With both indoor and outdoor options, the water’s always fine.

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Tennis &
Pickleball

With 14 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts, you can always find a friendly match. Private and group lessons available.

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