A man is wearing special glasses to observe the sun during the 2017 total solar eclipse, with moon shadows cast on his face. The eclipse was visible on the Oregon Coast.
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The “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse will occur in Oregon soon, and it’s time to plan your viewing location. On October 14, 2023, the path of this solar eclipse will touch the southwestern corner of Oregon, allowing people in the state to see a circle of light around the New Moon for up to 4 minutes and 33 seconds during the day, as long as they use solar eclipse glasses.
If you want to know more about special events, hotels, lodges, festivals, RV parks, and campsites along the path in Oregon, check out my recent posts for detailed information.
The best places to watch the “ring of fire” solar eclipse in Oregon will depend on your location and driving times. Many eclipse-chasers will be traveling from upstate Oregon, Washington, and California to reach the optimal viewing spots in the state.
To find the best spot, study an eclipse map, book a hotel or campsite, and make sure to have solar eclipse glasses!
Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the “ring of fire” solar eclipse in Oregon:
The path of the “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse through California on October 14, 2023. Image credit: Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com.
Oregon: ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse Map, Path And Time
If you are not in the narrow path of the eclipse, you will only witness a partial solar eclipse, which is more common. In Portland, around 86% of the sun will be eclipsed by the moon, while Salem and Bend will experience an 88% eclipse.
Between 9:15 and 9:24 a.m. PDT on October 14, 2023, the southwest corner of Oregon, including a 137-mile stretch of its beautiful coastline, will witness the “ring of fire.” Some of the notable locations include the Oregon Dunes on the coast, Crater Lake National Park in the Cascade Range, and Klamath Falls.
“People from Seattle and Portland will head to the path through Oregon—that’s a large number of people,” said Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com, in an interview. The path is about a two-hour drive from Portland and around six hours from Seattle.
The picturesque Oregon coast will attract many landscape photographers due to its low position on the southeastern horizon, offering stunning views of the eclipse.
However, there is a concern.
Oregon: Where Is The Best Weather For The ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse?
A clear sky is essential for eclipse-chasers because without it, the eclipse will not be visible. According to eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson, it is advisable to be located east of the Cascades on the south side of the centerline to maximize the chances of good weather. Zeiler also mentioned that Southeast Oregon has better weather odds compared to the rest of the state. However, weather conditions are unpredictable, and it is recommended to have a backup plan if you choose coastal locations.
Keep an eye on Anderson’s The Eclipse Weather Desk and download apps like Windy for real-time weather updates. The NCICS interactive map can also provide historical weather data for locations across North America.
Driving distances to see the ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse in Oregon
Several towns and cities are located along the path in Oregon, including Eugene, Coos Bay, Klamath Falls, and Bend. Here are some driving distances eclipse-chasers should consider:
From Seattle:
- Travel south on Interstate 5 to intercept the path south of Eugene, Oregon (325 miles/5 hours). Florence on the coast is an additional hour away.
From Portland:
- Travel south on Interstate 5 to intercept the path south of Eugene, Oregon (150 miles/2.5 hours). Florence on the coast is an additional hour away.
From the San Francisco Bay area/Sacramento:
- Travel north on Interstate 5 to intercept the path south of Eugene, Oregon (530 miles/eight hours).
Why You Don’t Need To Reach The Centerline of The Path
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be on the centerline of the 125-mile-wide path to have a good view of the “ring of fire.” Anywhere between the edge and the centerline will provide a long view of the eclipse. Therefore, I recommend considering locations away from the centerline as well.
Another aspect to consider is the edges of the path, where the “ring of fire” will only last a few seconds but will be accompanied by Baily’s beads. If you have already witnessed a “ring of fire” eclipse, this might be an interesting phenomenon to observe and could minimize both travel time and crowds.
Best Places To See The ‘Ring Of Fire’ Solar Eclipse In Oregon
Here are 10 recommended places to see the “ring of fire” solar eclipse in Oregon:
Agate Beach Inn, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:16 a.m. PDT, 2 minutes 44 seconds
Agate Beach Inn in Newport, Oregon, is a beachfront property that will have trained staff members on-site providing solar eclipse glasses.
Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:16 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 16 seconds
Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint on the Oregon coast, known for being one of the most photographed lighthouses, offers a great view of the eclipse above Cape Cove.
Heceta Head lighthouse at dusk, Oregon Coast, USA. (Photo by: Edwin Remsburg/VW Pics via Getty Images)
Oregon Dunes, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:15 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 29 seconds
Although there is a higher chance of cloudy weather, the Oregon Dunes Day Use Area and Oregon Dunes Loop Trail between Florence and Coos Bay on the coast are potential viewing locations. The John Dellenback Dunes Trail to the south at Umqua Dunes is also an option.
The Emporium Veneta, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:16 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 16 seconds
The Emporium Veneta, located just west of Eugene on the road to Florence, is home to over 30 artists and makers. They will be hosting a breakfast viewing gathering from 8:00-11:00 a.m. PDT.
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:15 a.m. PDT, 4 minutes 25 seconds
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, a pull-in location with ample parking and herds of elk on a meadow to the south and east, could be a great spot for eclipse-viewing with wildlife.
View of Crater lake’s Wizard island, from watchman point overlook.
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 is a popular spot for this eclipse, especially because the eclipse will occur just 19° above the southeast, potentially reflecting 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
Klamath Falls, located just below Crater Lake National Park, is at a lower altitude and may attract fewer crowds compared to the park. It will host the “Eclipse Into Nature” event at Running Y Resort and the multi-day EclipseFest 2023.
La Pine, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:18 a.m. PDT, 2 minutes 43 seconds
The Beery House Eclipse Campout near La Pine State Park and Rosland Campground offers bands and camping (advance reservation required).
A vista point at the top of Lava Butte, a cinder cone volcano within the northern Lava Lands of the Newberry National Volcanic National Monument. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
Lava Butte Lookout, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:19 a.m. PDT, no “ring of fire”
Lava Butte Lookout, a 500ft. tall cinder cone near Interstate 80, is another location within the “grazing zone” of the northern limit of the track. Check the regulations at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, as vehicle restrictions and timed tickets may apply.
Siletz Bay, Oregon
Time of “ring of fire”: 9:18 a.m. PDT, no “ring of fire”
While Siletz Bay is on the northern limit of the track and will not have a “ring of fire,” it offers a “broken ring” appearance and an extended display of Baily’s Beads. The so-called “grazing zone” is between Pelican Brewing and Beach Crest Brewing.
The time and eclipse durations mentioned come from Xavier Jubier’s interactive Google Map. Double-check the eclipse times and get a full schedule for your specific location on TimeAndDate.com.
I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and the author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”
Wishing you clear skies and memorable eclipse experiences!
