Every August, the Perseid meteor shower puts on an incredible light show in the heavens above. This year, the show will be even better than normal, and you’ll definitely want to find a dark place to view it. Read on to see one recommendation!

Trillium Lake is a gorgeous spot nestled in the Mount Hood National Forest. It’s a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, due to its excellent view of Mount Hood, which is often reflected in the smooth waters of the lake.

Lessa Clayton/flickr

The Perseid meteor shower will be visible from August 11th through the early morning hours of August 13th, so you’ll want to plan on snagging one of the 64 camping sites at the lake. All are non-electric sites, with some able to accommodate RVs and others set aside just for tent camping.

MountainFriendsPhoto/Tripadvisor

As the sun starts to set on August 11th, get ready for a show.

Beau Rogers/flickr

First, you’ll see thousands of stars begin to appear in the heavens above the lake. Because the light pollution here is low, you can see many more stars that you would if you were in one of Oregon’s more populated spots.

James West/flickr

This year, the near-new moon will be just a thin crescent and will set around midnight, just as the meteors start to become visible. The absence of the moon means that the dark skies will be all the better to view the meteors.

Rocky Raybell/flickr

You can expect to see between 50-60 meteors per hour both nights, but experts predict that the show will be the best from midnight on the 12th to daybreak on the 13th.

Scott Taylor/flickr

Any spot in Oregon that’s far from civilization is perfect for viewing the Perseids, but there’s something even more magical when you can capture meteors above Mount Hood, which is also reflected on the lake in front of you, don’t you agree?

Justin Kent/flickr

For more information about camping at Trillium Lake, visit Recreation.gov’s website.

Lessa Clayton/flickr

MountainFriendsPhoto/Tripadvisor

Beau Rogers/flickr

James West/flickr

Rocky Raybell/flickr

Scott Taylor/flickr

Justin Kent/flickr

What’s your favorite place in Oregon to view thousands of stars? If you love those views of Mount Hood under the starry sky, we also recommend camping at Lost Lake during the Perseids.

 

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