What you should know about the 2017 total solar eclipse in Central Oregon

By Keeley Mannila | July 18, 2017

CENTRAL OREGON: PREMIER SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING DESTINATION

Monday, August 21, 2017

According to astronomers, Madras, Oregon is the “premier place” to view the 2017 total solar eclipse taking place in August. (The partial eclipse will begin shortly after 9 a.m. in Oregon, reaching totality between 10:15 and 10:25.) With an estimated one million visitors traveling to Central Oregon as part of this event, there will be a significant impact on roads, traffic and daily life/activities throughout the area.

BE PREPARED

With so many people coming to the area, highways, supplies, and other daily needs will be impacted, so preparation ahead of time is crucial. Think about getting ‘stocked up’ a few weeks prior, including:

Groceries/food supplies
Stock up on pet supplies and food
Gas in cars and vehicles
Refill prescriptions

TRAFFIC + ROADS

ODOT’s advice: Arrive early; stay put; leave late. There’s no doubt about it, traffic is going to be heavy and backups inevitable. Expect delays and traffic changes, check traffic cams ahead of time, and leverage public transportation as much as possible.

Experts are predicting that traffic will begin to ramp up on Thursday, August 17, and then stay heavy through the weekend until Tuesday, the day after the eclipse. Madras and Prineville will likely bear the brunt of the area’s heavy traffic as they are nearer to the eclipse’s path.

Per the Jefferson County Oregon Sheriff : City of Madras Road closure Friday 18th – Monday 21st during the eclipse. Passes available for those living or working in the impacted areas.

WHERE TO STAY

While many campsites are full, there are still places to stay still available, including these 3000 recently announced RV and camping spots. From campsites, to RV parking, to private homes and vacation rentals, more info about area accommodations for the eclipse here.

CELEBRATE + PLAY

Oregon Solarfest, scheduled for August 17-22, includes a full lineup of music and entertainment. Additionally, Madras and Central Oregon offers a wide array of outdoor fun in addition to hiking, biking, and golfing; get some great ideas here.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHADES

Wherever you plan to view the eclipse, don’t forget to wear proper eclipse glasses! Regular sunglasses will not work, and beware of phony glasses being sold or handed out:

It is imperative that you wear eclipse eye protection. Any other form of eye protection, such as sunglasses, are not safe. Severe eye damage can occur and to the extreme, blindness. Viewing the sun while any part of its bright disk is still visible during the partial phases prior to and after the Eclipse Totality is not safe. The only time it is safe to view the Eclipse with no protection is during the two minutes of totality. Eclipse glasses will be available for purchase throughout town during the weekend prior and up through the time of the eclipse.

[Read more eclipse viewing tips + FAQs here]