Des Moines
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Des Moines, 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 Des Moines
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~10.2 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 Des Moines offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Des Moines 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 Des Moines
In WA, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Des Moines residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Des Moines Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Des Moines 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 (44.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Des Moines
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Des Moines environment.
Covington Community Park
" Practically in Des Moines's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Des Moines observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" A manageable drive from Des Moines, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Paramount School Park
" Heading out from Des Moines toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" Des Moines 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. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Des Moines
Rural conditions near Des Moines provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Des Moines
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Des Moines nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Des Moines enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Des Moines, Plummer Peak serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"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 Des Moines
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Des Moines residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Des Moines stargazers often look to Cottonwood Canyon State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
Des Moines stargazers often look to Antelope, Oregon as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Des Moines
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 Des Moines Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from Des Moines, we recommend a "split-tube" or collapsible Dobsonian. It gives you the power of a large light bucket while still fitting comfortably in most standard Des Moines commuter vehicles."
The Des Moines Field Kit
Every observer in Des Moines eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Covington Community Park sitting at a ~10-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Des Moines.