Linn County Parks & Recreation Summer 2017 Newsletter

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Oregon’s Total Solar Eclipse on August 21!

A very rare event is coming to Oregon (and Linn County specifically) on August 21, 2017. A total solar eclipse will land over the Pacific Northwest on Monday, August 21, 2017. This is a profound scientific event, and it’s estimated that over 1,000,000 tourists will make their pilgrimage to Oregon to witness history.

The August 21, 2017, solar eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse in the continental United States since 1979, and the first to sweep across the country since 1918! The eclipse event begins will initially be viewable from the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It will make first landfall just north of Depoe Bay, Oregon, at Government Point (Boiler Bay State Park).

The partial eclipse will begin shortly after 9 a.m. in Oregon, reaching totality (or total eclipse) between 10:15 and 10:25 a.m.. How long you see the total eclipse depends largely upon how close you are to the center of what’s called the “path of totality.”

Linn County, Oregon, is in the path of totality!

The “path of totality” (where the eclipse is the darkest) comes right through our parks system. Linn County (Albany and surrounding communities) is expected to have tens of thousands of tourists come to our parks and county to witness the event.

What Is a Total Solar Eclipse?

Occasionally, the moon’s shadow perfectly covers the face of the Sun (from our perspective here on Earth) and creates darkness during the day time.

When Will the Eclipse Happen?

Monday, August 21, 2017
Starts around 8:45 a.m. Pacific Time
The “total eclipse” will happen at different times and for different durations depending on where you are located. Albany’s total darkness will last for one minute and 52 seconds, at approximately 10:17 a.m.

Map of the Eclipse’s Path

You can see the path of the Eclipse through Linn County below. You can also download PDF versions of maps here and here.

 

Where to Watch the Eclipse in Linn County

Linn County’s campgrounds are full for the time period of the eclipse. There are some non-camping options.

Day-use facilities will be open:

If you travel to a day-use area . . . be prepared for large crowds. We’ll open day-use areas as early as we can so the public has access. Try to get there early and be prepared to stay late. It may take a long time for all of the cars to leave the area. Bring food, water, clothing and entertainment for what might end up being a full day outing.

Boating offers exceptional eclipse viewing:

  • Boating is available at both Foster and Green Peter Reservoirs
  • Boating is available “Dawn” to “Dusk.” Dawn is defined as 30 minutes before sunrise. On August 21, Dawn will occur at 5:51 a.m. Make sure you load in early to avoid what’s sure to be a rush later in the morning!

If you travel to a boating area. . . be prepared for large numbers of boats on the water. The boat ramps will be in use all morning and into the day. We’ll open day use areas as early as we can so the public has access. Try to get there early and be prepared to stay late. It may take a long time for all of the boats and cars to leave the area. Bring food, water, clothing and entertainment for what might end up being a full day outing.

If you are still looking for somewhere to go. . . check with smaller communities in the Linn County area such as Scio. They may know of camping spots or day use fields that have opened up.