Portland, Oregon – The first weekend of the New Year brings a rare celestial moment to Oregon as the Wolf Moon rises as a supermoon, offering the final chance to see a full moon this large and bright until the end of 2026. If clouds thin at the right time, this could be one of the most visually striking moonrises Oregonians will see for years.
According to astronomical timing, the Wolf Moon reaches peak illumination early Saturday morning around 2:03 a.m. PST, but the most dramatic viewing opportunity comes later that day. In western Oregon, including Portland and the Willamette Valley, sunset occurs shortly before 4:45 p.m., with moonrise following during early twilight. That timing places the moon’s appearance in the blue-hour window, when it looks larger, brighter, and more vivid as it lifts above the eastern horizon.
This full moon qualifies as a supermoon because it coincides closely with perigee, the moon’s nearest point to Earth. During this event, the moon can appear up to 14 percent larger and roughly 30 percent brighter than an average full moon. Viewers in Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Hillsboro, and along the Columbia River Gorge should see the moon rise Saturday evening and climb high into the night sky. East of the Cascades, clearer and drier conditions could offer especially sharp viewing.
The Wolf Moon gets its name from winter folklore tied to the howling of wolves during the coldest weeks of the year. January’s full moon also rides higher across the sky than any other full moon of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, giving Oregon a longer viewing window compared to later months.
For the best view, skywatchers should face east at moonrise from an open field, hillside, riverbank, or elevated overlook with a clear horizon. While the moon will appear full throughout the night, Saturday evening delivers the most dramatic contrast against fading daylight. After this weekend, another supermoon won’t return until late 2026, making this a standout way to begin the New Year across Oregon.
