AAD To Lead Field Session at Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit
Applegate After Dark will be joining the 2026 Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit! Organized by the Oregon Trails Coalition, this annual event brings Oregon’s outdoor community together to connect and advance recreation initiatives across the state. This year’s summit will take place October 22-24 in Ashland!
On the 23rd, Applegate After Dark is thrilled to be offering summit attendees a nighttime field session on the beautiful Mt. Ashland. This unique opportunity will provide hands-on learning opportunities in a spectacular setting, with food and local wine provided!
Participants will be shuttled from the convention center to the picturesque USFS Grouse Gap Shelter on Mt. Ashland. Those wanting to stretch their legs can hop off at a trailhead for a 2-mile sunset stroll along an easy stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, or simply ride to the venue and relax around the campfire. All options offer breathtaking views of the Siskiyou Mountains and Mt. Shasta.
At the shelter, there will be a daylight demonstration of an advanced electronic (smart) telescope, where all can observe distant landscapes (such as Mt. Shasta) and possibly wildlife, as the sun sets. Once everyone has gathered at the shelter, we will enjoy dinner and refreshments sponsored by the Applegate Partnership & Watershed Council. Dinner will be accompanied by an informative session about Oregon’s dark sky initiatives, with opportunities to learn how individuals and communities can help protect our night skies.
Once darkness has fallen, we will enjoy a moon and star viewing party with binoculars and the smart telescope, offering interactive opportunities for nature lovers, astronomy enthusiasts, outdoor recreation outfitters, and anyone seeking a distinctive outdoor experience.
Registration at the Oregon Outdoor Recreation Summit is required to attend this event.
Questions about the summit can be directed to chelsea@oregontrailscoalition.org.
Questions about Applegate After Dark can be directed to Liz Shen at apparks@applegatepartnership.org.
