For the first time in 99 years, there will be a Total Eclipse of the Sun across the continental United States! We’ll be especially lucky in Western Oregon, because we will be the first Americans to get a glimpse of the 2017 Eclipse.
The total eclipse will first be visible from land shortly after 10:15am PDT at Oregon’s Pacific Coast and then will continue east through the state. We’ll also see a partial eclipse leading up to the event, beginning around 9:00am that morning.
That Monday is a workday, but you can’t skip out on our first Total Solar Eclipse since 1918. Let’s have a party!
If you’re looking to view the solar eclipse, here are a list of local places where you can gather with your community to watch:
- Campgrounds. Camp overnight on Sunday and stay through the Eclipse on Monday morning. Be aware that due to our earlybird viewing, many people are planning to travel into Western Oregon from other states and many campsites (including Oregon State Parks, National Forests and other public parks) are already booked. But, as long as you’re booking at least 14 days in advance, you should find some tent sites available at privately-owned camp grounds.
- State Parks and Public Lands. There are several Oregon SP’s right in the path of the eclipse and many will offer special events to commemorate. Check out The Cove Palisades, Silver Falls, Beverly Beach and Smith Rock. Oregon also has 8 national forests, one national moment and other areas managed by BLM. You’ll want to plan early for these locations – expect road delays and heavy traffic in and out of parks (including the John Day Fossil Beds) .
- There are a number of solar festivals planned for that week including:
- Moonshadow Festival
- Total Eclipse of the Garden
- Oregon Eclipse Festival
- Plus the Bi-Mart Willamette Country Music Festival (they’re adding an eclipse event on Monday morning)
- Oregon Coast. This is the first place anyone in the US will see the solar eclipse so it’s bound to be spectacular. Prepare for the 101 to be a traffic jam, unless you plan to arrive well before dawn.
- Wineries: The path of solar totality will sweep right over Willamette Valley’s wine country. Special events are being planned at Willamette Valley Vineyards, Eola Hills, Arcane Cellars, Left Coast Cellars, Tyee Wine Cellars, St. Innocent, Brooks Winery, Coria Estates and many others. Definitely call asap to get your reservation for these!
But you don’t have to go anywhere to celebrate the solar eclipse. How about a Total Eclipse party right in your back yard? Set up a potluck table in the garage filled with yummy brunch goodies, and coffee from The Wandering Goat. Spread out the lawn chairs, crank up the stereo, bring out the guitars for a jam session and get ready to see something that you literally can only experience once in a lifetime!
Here’s a link to a video to make your own viewfinder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWMf5rYDgpc