Month: May 2025

Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary

Posted in California, Cheap Ways To Travel, Federal, State and City Parks, Free Site, Hiking, Incredible Vistas, Magical Places, Nevada, Stargazing, TravelTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

One of the most interesting places I have visited this year is the Massacre Rim Dark Sky Sanctuary located about 150 miles north of Reno but easily accessible from Cedarville, California. Part of Dark Sky International, an organization which advocates protecting the night skies from light pollution; it’s designation marks this part of Nevada as one of the darkest places in the USA and the world. This vast area is so remote that the night sky is not impacted by human produced light resulting in some of the clearest star gazing available in the world. In fact, the Milky Way is visible by just the naked eye and the planets are so bright that it feels as if you can reach up and touch them. The night sky vistas are so immense and the number of stars so numerous it will bring tears to the eyes of the most cantankerous of old men.

The nights we were camping there the sky was teaming with stars as the coyotes howled in delight. Shooting stars flew across the night sky by the dozens and the magnificent Man in the Moon brought himself so close that you could hear his whispers as he spoke from the heavens above. This was in January 2025 and it was cold during the night with temperatures below freezing resulting in fluctuations of over 40 degrees between night and day. Since temperatures can reach over 100 degrees in the summer to me the optimum time to visit this amazing place would probably be spring or fall.

One benefit of no light pollution in an area is that it allows nocturnal animal habitats to thrive. Here you might find badgers, kangaroo rats, bats, mountain lions and a rattlesnake or two. Because of the isolation of this area it is important to bring what you might need to survive an emergency. Also, it is important to keep in mind that there is snowfall in the winter time so it is imperative to have enough supplies on hand to keep you warm and fed for several days. Further, you cannot count on cell service in this remote area so be sure to let loved ones know where you will be.

There are several markets in Cedarville (including Page’s) and at Alturas where you can pick up groceries and supplies. I can also recommend without reservation several eateries and cute little stores in Cedarville including The Vault (great coffee and knickknacks) and the Country Hearth Restaurant which serves fresh baked goods as well as amazingly large portion breakfasts.

There are numerous campgrounds in the area managed by the BLM which can be contacted for further information at:

Bureau of Land Management
602 Cressler St.
Cedarville, CA 96104
530-279-6101

While Massacre Rim takes a bit of planning and time to visit, its breathtaking night skies are out of this world and definitely worth a trip. In fact, I was so impressed and awestruck by what I experienced that I am now planning on visiting as many Dark Sky Sanctuaries as I possibly can.

For more information on Dark Sky viewing visit: dark sky.org

Steamboat Inn-North Umpqua River, Oregon

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I recently had the pleasure of being introduced to the Steamboat Inn which sits along one of Oregon’s most beautiful waterways and one of the most famous fly fishing rivers in the world. Unfortunately, the Umpqua recently suffered catastrophic damage due to fire and it will be years until it truly rises from the ash; yet it still is a wondrous site to behold. Luckily, the Steamboat Inn still stands and it is one sure way to enjoy this amazing and scenic river.

The Steamboat was once “true old-time fishing lodge.” which featured infamous “Fisherman’s Dinners” for years but today it is an updated and modern inn that still retains its historic charm.. Pictures of fly fishermen and massive steelhead dot the walls and stories of the Inn’s famous guest like Jack Hemingway and Zane Grey still abound as told by the area old-timers. Former Steamboat owner, Frank Moore was a dedicated fly fisherman and he soon became a much loved guide and conservationist after taking over the inn at the beginning 1957. His love of the sport is attributed to creating “flier” enthusiasts out of mere fisherfolk for many decades.

The gardens at the Inn are beautiful and poetic. I was there in May 2025 while columbine, azaleas, rhododendrons, ferns and mountain flowers lined the pathways to the guest rooms and outdoor patio. Stunning Japanese Maples and manicured grasses also made their presence known as the Umpqua roared past showering the rock outcroppings with a fine mist. While the Steamboat’s enchanting grounds, library and menu are enough to keep its visitors sated; the abundance of nearby waterfalls and hiking trails also beckon the Inn’s guests to come and explore as do the white water rafting rapids nearby. The area is definitely a nature lover’s paradise.

While the Steamboat has historically known as “the place for those addicted to fishing” it is also the perfect place to host weddings, second honeymoons and small conferences.

Located about 40 miles from Roseburg it is easy to grab a bottle of wine produced in the Umpqua Valley wine region as you meander towards the Inn located off the North Umpqua Highway.

The Steamboat is open for breakfast from 8 am-11 am, lunch from 11 am-3 pm and dinner from 5 pm-8 pm. The food is robust and the prices are reasonable. For further information call (541) 498-2230 or visit their website at thesteamboatinn.com

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve (Near San Jose)

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About 15 minutes outside of San Jose California in the Eastern foothills of Santa Clara County; there is a nine mile hiking preserve that offers expansive views of the mountains, the South Bay and San Jose itself. With many different hikes and loops to choose from including a meadow hike that is perfect for young families as well as longer more challenging walks; it is hard to believe that the city is just below.

One of the more appreciated aspects of the preserve is the careful grooming of the trails as well as the thoughtfully placed bridges and benches just to rest and take in the views. Horses are also allowed on some of the trails however dogs and drones are not allowed due to habitat conditions.

While I was visiting in May the wildflowers were out in abundance brings swathes of colors to the hills.

The wildlife in the area although somewhat elusive includes hawks, badgers, gray fox and along with owls, kestrels, hummingbirds, bob cats and mountain lions. As always when hiking one should carry bear spray to ward off larger predators.

The preserve is open from 7 am until 8:30 pm but parking is somewhat limited so it is best to get there early because when the lot fills up you cannot hike. The only downside to this spectacular area is the lack of any sort of restroom facilities including porta-potties.

For more information visit: openspaceauthority.org. The site provides plenty of information about Sierra Vista along with several other Open Space hiking trails including their guided hike program, biking and horse trails.