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A “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse is coming to Oregon and you don’t have much time left to make a plan—but where’s the best place to see it? On October 14, 2023, the 125 miles wide path of the “ring of fire” solar eclipse will touch the Beaver State’s southwestern corner it will be possible to see a circle of light around the New Moon for up to 4 minutes 33 seconds during the day using solar eclipse glasses.
Check out my recent posts on special events being planned, hotels, lodges, festivals and RV parks to consider staying in as well as campsites and RV parks in the path to be on October 14.
The best places to watch the “ring of fire” solar eclipse 2023 in Oregon will depend on your exact location and driving times. After all many eclipse-chasers will travel south into Oregon from upstate and from Washington and north from California.
It’s time to study a “ring of fire” eclipse map, find a hotel or campsite and grab a pair of solar eclipse glasses!
Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the “ring of fire” solar eclipse in Oregon:
Oregon: ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse Map, Path And Time
If you’re not inside the narrow path of the eclipse then all you’ll see is a partial solar eclipse, which are far more common. Portland will see 86% of the sun eclipsed by the moon, Salem 88% and Bend 88%.
Between 9:15 and 9:24 a.m. PDT on October 14, 2023 the southwest corner of Oregon—including a 137 miles stretch of its lovely coastline—will be visited by the “ring of fire.” Locations include the Oregon Dunes on the coast, Crater Lake National Park in the Cascade Range and Klamath Falls.
“The path through Oregon is certainly where people from Seattle and Portland will head—that’s a lot of people,” said Michael Zeiler, eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com, in an interview. For those in Portland the path is about a two-hour drive while from Seattle in Washington it’s about six hours.”
The Oregon coast will tempt many after picturesque views. Since the sun will be only 18º above the southeastern horizon here—the lowest of the entire path through the U.S.—it’s to here where many landscape photographers will flock.
But there’s a problem.
Oregon: Where Is The Best Weather For The ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse?
For eclipse-chasers, a clear sky is everything. After all, if it’s cloudy you won’t see a thing.
On his website Eclipsophile.com eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson states that eclipse-viewing expeditions should consider locating east of the Cascades on the south side of the centerline. “Southeast Oregon would definitely have better climate odds than the rest of the state,” said Zeiler. However, more important than climate is weather. “The coast is a maybe—it could be sunny, but it’s risky. If you want to go to the coast then you’d better have a Plan B.”
Keep an eye on Anderson’s The Eclipse Weather Desk in the days leading up to October 14. and download apps like Windy to your smartphone. Another great resource for planning is the NCICS interactive map, which displays the historical likelihood of viewability for locations across North America.
Driving distances to see the ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse in Oregon
The path through Oregon contains a few towns and cities—most notably Eugene. Coos Bay and Klamath Falls—with Bend just to the north. Here are a few logical trips that eclipse-chasers should know about:
From Seattle:
- Drive south on Interstate 5 to intercept the path of this eclipse south of Eugene, Oregon (325 miles/5 hours). Florence on the coast is another hour or so.
From Portland:
- Drive south on Interstate 5 to intercept the path of this eclipse south of Eugene, Oregon (150 miles/2.5 hours). Florence on the coast is another hour or so.
From the San Francisco Bay area/Sacramento:
- Drive north on Interstate 5 to intercept the path of this eclipse south of Eugene, Oregon (530 miles/eight hours).
Why You Don’t Need To Reach The Centerline of The Path
A popular misconception about this eclipse is that you must be on the centerline of the 125 miles wide path. You do not. Anywhere about halfway between the edge and the center will get you a long view of “ring of fire” lasting many minutes. So here I’ve recommended places away from the centerline alongside locations closer to it.
Something else to think about is the edges of the path, where the “ring of fire” will only last a few seconds but be preceded and followed by Baily’s beads fizzing around the edge of the moon. If you’ve seen a “ring of fire” before then that might be something to think about (and could reduce both your driving time and the likelihood of crowds).
Best Places To See The ‘Ring Of Fire’ Solar Eclipse In Oregon
Here are 10 places to consider seeing the “ring of fire” in Oregon:
Agate Beach Inn, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:16 a.m. PDT, 2 minutes 44 seconds
Beachfront property Agate Beach Inn in Newport, Oregon will have trained staff members on-site and solar eclipse glasses.
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:16 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 16 seconds
It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast and Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint on the Oregon coast may offer a great view of the eclipse above Cape Cove.
Oregon Dunes, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:15 a.m. PDT, 4 mins 29 secs
Although there’s a higher chance of cloudy weather Oregon Dunes Day Use Area and Oregon Dunes Loop Trail between Florence and Coos Bay on the beautiful coast is a candidate. So is the John Dellenback Dunes Trail to the south at Umqua Dunes.
The Emporium Veneta, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:16 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 16 seconds
Home to over 30 artists and makers, The Emporium Veneta just west of Eugene on the road to Florence on the coast, is hosting a breakfast viewing gathering from 0800-11:00 a.m. PDT.
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:15 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 25 seconds
A pull-in with plenty of parking—and herds of elk on a meadow to the south and east—Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area could be a great spot for eclipse-viewing with wildlife.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:17 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 23 seconds
Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park will be a favorite spot for this eclipse not least because the eclipse will occur just 19° above the southeast and may reflect in America’s deepest lake, as seen from Watchman Peak Trailhead.
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:17 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 22 seconds
Just below, and at a lower altitude than, Crater Lake National Park—which will attract huge crowds and where it could be snowing—is Klamath Falls. It will host both the “Eclipse Into Nature” event at the Running Y Resort as well as the multi-day EclipseFest 2023.
La Pine, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:18 a.m. PDT, 2 minutes 43 seconds
Bands and camping (to reserve in advance) is available at The Beery House Eclipse Campout close to La Pine State Park and Rosland Campground.
Lava Butte Lookout, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:19 a.m. PDT, no “ring of fire”
Another location on in the “grazing zone” of the northern limit of the track is this 500ft. tall cinder cone just off Interstate 80. Check the regulations at the Lava Lands Visitor Center because vehicles are restricted and require timed tickets.
Siletz Bay, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:18 a.m. PDT, no “ring of fire”
This region is bang on the northern limit of the track, which means no “ring of fire,” but a “broken ring” and an extended display of Baily’s Beads. The so-called “grazing zone” is between Pelican Brewing and Beach Crest Brewing.
Time and eclipse durations come from Xavier Jubier’s interactive Google Map. Double-check eclipse times—and get a full schedule for your specific location—on TimeAndDate.com.
I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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