4th of July Stargazing in Dog-Friendly, Quiet Park

4th of July Stargazing in Dog-Friendly, Quiet Park If you are wanting to get away from the fireworks this year please join me and my three dogs! NW VEG member Sara McFarland has reserved the Hilltop Picnic Shelter at LL Stub Stewart State Park for Saturday, July 4th. The Park is 34 miles west of Portland and offers hiking trails, mountain biking, EV charging stations, and two mountain-style disc-golf courses (9 and 18-hole). The picnic shelter is covered, lots of tables, a sink and prep area, close-by restrooms, and parking next to the shelter. Dogs are allowed in the park and at the picnic shelter with a fenced dog park a short walk away. Fireworks are not allowed in the Park. The shelter is on a hilltop that offers fantastic views of the valleys so we'll probably be able to see fireworks in the distance. At dusk we might see bats coming out and being away from city lights we should see lots of stars so I'm encouraging folks to bring binoculars or telescopes. I will have a couple extra folding dog pens so we can secure our dogs near the shelter. (Dogs must be on a leash at all times in the park unless in the fenced dog park) If enough people want to come we can consider a little potluck. I'm planning to stay until midnight as the fireworks in my neighborhood go until 1 am or later! The day use permit is $10. Stargazing is allowed after hours. Visitors must display either a daily parking permit or annual parking permit and complete and display the Star Gazing Permit located at Hilltop Day-use Area kiosk. The star gazing permit is free. No overnight camping is allowed at the Hilltop Day-use Area. Those staying in our overnight facilities may still walk to Hilltop Day-use Area to stargaze. Please contact Sara McFarland at 503-640-2284 (voicemail) for more information. Super hot weather or rain could be a factor