About

This site offers helpful information for visitors interested in enjoying the eclipse from federal public lands along and near the path of totality in western Oregon. Check back often for updates!




Sunday, March 19, 2017

Fire Prevention Is Everyone's Responsibility!

Only you can prevent wildfires, and here’s how! While at home or on camping trips, follow these important safety tips. To learn more visit https://smokeybear.com/en



DIY - How to Make a Pinhole Camera




You don't need fancy glasses or equipment to watch one of the sky's most awesome shows: a solar eclipse. With just a few simple supplies, you can make a pinhole camera that lets you watch a solar eclipse safely and easily from anywhere. Instructions are available at https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/learn/project/how-to-make-a-pinhole-camera/

Remember: You should never look at the sun directly without equipment that's specifically designed for looking at the sun. Even using binoculars or a telescope, you could severely damage your eyes or even go blind! Looking at anything as bright as the sun is NOT safe without proper protection, and sunglasses do NOT count. 

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Siuslaw National Forest Prepares for Big Eclipse Crowds

Siuslaw National Forest Prepares for Big Eclipse Crowds

In anticipation of large crowds that are expected to travel to key points in western Oregon to view the eclipse, Siuslaw officials are in the process of developing plans to help manage an unusually large influx of visitors to the forest.
The high meadows of Mt. Hebo and Marys Peak will likely be of great interest to community members and visitors who are looking for prime viewing locations along the ‘path of totality’ – the swath of land where viewers will witness a total eclipse.

Marys Peak

Private vehicle access the day of the eclipse will be by reservation only. Parking permits will be available for three parking areas around Marys Peak, identified on this map. Access to the small Marys Peak Campground will be limited to Forest Service and emergency services staff and volunteers assisting with the event. The road up Marys Peak will remain open to bicycles, though cyclists should anticipate significant congestion on area roads. More information on vehicle reservations will be available here on March 27, with permit reservations available from that site beginning at 7am on March 30.

Forest officials are also preparing to issue a special use permit to an outdoor event organizer to operate a shuttle to Marys Peak on the day of the eclipse, as well as to provide a range of camping opportunities and enhanced visitor services on the peak. Marys Peak is currently a day-use only area – overnight use of the peak outside of what is available under this permitted event will not be allowed.  More information on this shuttle service, camping, and other local opportunities will be available soon at Visit Corvallis.  

Mt. Hebo

Private vehicle access the day of the eclipse will also be by reservation only. Parking permits will be available for two parking areas on Mt. Hebo, identified on this map. Access will also be open to those arriving by foot and bicycle, though trailhead access may be unavailable or extremely limited. More information on Mt. Hebo vehicle reservations will be available here on March 27, with permits reservations available from that site at 7am on March 30. The current order prohibiting camping on Mt. Hebo to protect fragile meadows will continue to be in place during the eclipse.

Other Forest Areas
Many Siuslaw National Forest campgrounds are available by reservation and are already booked for the nights leading up to the eclipse. Some areas of the forest are available for dispersed camping, yet the steep slopes and dense forests of the Coast Range limit the availability of suitable camping locations. While access to other forest recreation sites will be available as usual, standard recreation fees may apply and crowding and congestion should be anticipated.

Questions? Contact the Siuslaw National Forest at 541-750-7000.

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Stay Cool - Helpful Tips and Resources





Although summer temperatures tend to be moderate in western Oregon, we still see hot days. Remember to stay cool while visiting to watch the eclipse. The National Weather Service offers a host of heat safety tips and resources at http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml.

Things To Do During Your Visit






Various activities are planned in and around Salem, OR to celebrate the eclipse. For information about these events and a list of viewing locations visit www.travelsalem.com/events/total-solar-eclipse-2017.