Black Diamond
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Black Diamond, WA. From the verified horizons at Covington Community Park to the scientific Bortle Class 4 reports at Burroughs Mountain, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Black Diamond
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~5.3 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Burroughs Mountain as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Galileo Astronomy Unclub for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Black Diamond offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Black Diamond acts as a primary gateway to the Covington Community Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Burroughs Mountain just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Black Diamond
Observation in Black Diamond is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Black Diamond Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Black Diamond temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at Covington Community Park. This prevents 'tube currents' from blurring your view of Jupiter or Saturn. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (32.0 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Black Diamond
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Black Diamond's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" Just a quick dash for Black Diamond residents, this location offers great convenience. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Heading out from Black Diamond toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Black Diamond observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Imaging Tip: If you're photographing the Milky Way, bring a clear filter or dew shield to prevent lens fogging in humid conditions. "
Big Rock Park
" Black Diamond observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Park in the lower lot near the street. If that lot is full please park in the lot as far from the middle field as you can with your headlights facing away from the fields. "
Paramount School Park
" A manageable drive from Black Diamond, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Black Diamond
Rural conditions near Black Diamond provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Black Diamond
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Black Diamond observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Burroughs Mountain provide Black Diamond residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Black Diamond residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Plummer Peak in Mount Rainier NP on 9/23/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.09 SQM."
Dark Sky Oasis near Black Diamond
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Black Diamond observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Black Diamond, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Black Diamond, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Black Diamond
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Black Diamond Nights
"Since deep darkness at sites like the local staging areas is less than a 15-minute dash from Black Diamond, you can justify using heavier, high-aperture telescopes that would be a hassle to transport long distances."
The Black Diamond Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Black Diamond requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Covington Community Park offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.