Aurora is visible from Oregon only during strong geomagnetic storms. In central Oregon the geomagnetic latitude is about 50°, so the northern lights usually need a Kp index of about 6.5 or higher to appear low on the northern horizon; the north of the state (around Desdemona Sands Light) needs about Kp 5.5.
Kp needed (center)
Kp 6.5
geomag. lat 50°
Kp needed (north)
Kp 5.5
Desdemona Sands Light
Kp needed (south)
Kp 7.5
Goose Lake State Recreation Area
Kp needed in Oregon cities
| City | Geomagnetic lat. | Kp needed | City sky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 50.9° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Eugene | 49.4° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Salem | 50.3° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Gresham | 50.9° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Hillsboro | 50.9° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Beaverton | 50.9° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Bend | 49.7° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Medford | 47.8° | Kp 7.5 | 7 |
| Springfield | 49.4° | Kp 6.5 | 8 |
| Corvallis | 49.9° | Kp 6.5 | 7 |
| Albany | 50.0° | Kp 6.0 | 7 |
| Tigard | 50.8° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Aloha | 50.9° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Lake Oswego | 50.8° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
| Keizer | 50.4° | Kp 6.0 | 8 |
Approximate Kp for aurora low on the northern horizon (camera-visible). Higher Kp lets it climb higher and show color to the eye.
Dark, northern photo locations in Oregon
| Location | Type | County | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catherine Creek State Park | State Park | Union County | 2 |
| Wallowa Lake State Park | State Park | Wallowa County | 1 |
| Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum | State Park | Grant County | 1 |
| Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor | State Park | Umatilla County | 2 |
| Minam State Recreation Area | State Park | Wallowa County | 2 |
| Ukiah–Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor | State Park | Umatilla County | 1 |
| Unity Lake State Recreation Site | State Park | Baker County | 1 |
| Wallowa Lake Highway Forest State Scenic Corridor | State Park | Wallowa County | 2 |
| Dyer State Wayside | State Park | Gilliam County | 2 |
| Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site | State Park | Wallowa County | 1 |
| Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site | State Park | Grant County | 1 |
| Fivemile Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | Wallowa County | 1 |
How to photograph the northern lights
- Watch the live Kp forecast above and NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast; storms often peak between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- Find an unobstructed view to the north — a lake, open field or ridge — away from town lights.
- Start at ISO 1600–3200, f/2.8 or faster, 5–15 seconds; shorter exposures keep fast-moving curtains sharp.
- Your camera sees aurora as green or red long before your eyes do — take test shots whenever Kp is near the threshold.
- Moonlight lights the foreground but washes out faint aurora; strong storms are still worth shooting under a bright moon.
FAQ
Can you see the northern lights in Oregon?
Yes, only during strong geomagnetic storms. Central Oregon usually needs about Kp 6.5; the north about Kp 5.5.
What Kp index do I need?
Roughly Kp 6.5+ for central Oregon. Kp is a 0–9 scale of geomagnetic activity; each step moves the aurora's southern edge a few degrees of latitude.
Where is the best place to see the aurora in Oregon?
Dark sites with a clear northern view, such as Catherine Creek State Park, Wallowa Lake State Park, Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum.