PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Prineville Reservoir is a popular spot for daytime water recreation, but after sunset, the night sky steals the show.

In 2021, it became Oregon’s first International Dark Sky Park , honored for its clear skies and efforts to reduce light pollution. The park offers stargazing events, telescope viewings, and laser constellation tours for visitors.

"Dark skies have definitely been an increase for us," said Park Manager Chris Gerdes. "When we had the drought, that was kind of our saving grace of having that Dark sSy designation, because we had a lot of people coming out for that versus the water."

Three years ago, an historic drought dropped Prineville Reservoir to a record low of around 12% capacity. Gerdes says the water level right now is at 98%.

"This wil

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