Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary with Crater Lake National Park
July 16-20, 2026
with Zack Schnepf
The Oregon Outback, part of the Great Basin of North America, is one of the darkest places in the world. Far from light pollution, you can see the starry sky in all its splendor.
The Milky Way, close enough to touch, rises from the sage steppe and transforms the sky into a sparkling sea of stars.
What also makes the area photographically attractive are several ghost towns and bizarre juniper tree forests, which are ideal as subjects for light painting in this western landscape.
We photograph at favored places like Crater Lake National Park, Shaniko Ghost Town, Fort Rock, and Painted Hills National Monument. We will explore the landscape during the day and photograph the sunset at the location. Once stars appear, we will ease into astro- and night photography. Since we stay up late, we usually will not do a sunrise session.
Professional photographer Zack Schnepf leads a small group on a 5-day tour of some of the best places to see and photograph the breathtaking night sky and landscape.
The Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, it covers 2.5 million acres.
US$ 2,475 / per person / shared room
US$ 425 / additional cost for single room
US$ 200 / transportation from Bend, OR with Zack, limited space
US$ 75 / per person / online post-processing
- If we can’t find you a room partner, the cost of a single room applies.
4-5 persons
Beginner – Advanced
Self drive
Included
- Workshop fee
- 4 nights accommodation in Motels.
- Guided by Zack Schnepf
Not included
- Meals
- Entry fees, because of self drive arrival
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Transportation
What to bring:
- nights cool down in the High Desert. Bring a jacket or warm sweater
- sturdy tripod
- camera with wide angle lens. Ideally with f.2.8
- fully charged extra batteries, or charger
- flashlight/headlamp with red light
Thursday, July 16
Overnight in Madras, OR.
Arrive late afternoon at the Motel.
Photograph Night Sky with light painting in Grass Valley, Kent and Shaniko Ghost Town.
Friday, July 17
Overnight in Prineville, OR.
From late afternoon into the night, with Night Sky at Painted Hills and in Mitchell.
Saturday, July 18
Overnight in La Pine, OR.
From late afternoon into the night with Astro photography at Fort Rock
Sunday, July 19
Overnight in La Pine, OR.
Late afternoon into the night with Astro photography at Crater Lake National Park
Monday, July 20
Check-out of Motel in La Pine and end of Photo Workshop
