DuPont
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of DuPont, 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 DuPont
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~31.3 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 Tacoma Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near DuPont offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
DuPont is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the WA metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 4 skies found at Burroughs Mountain.
The Best Times for Stargazing in DuPont
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in DuPont. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Winter constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for DuPont Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near DuPont, looking slightly to the side of a faint nebula will reveal much more detail than looking directly at it, especially when dealing with the Class 5+ suburban skies of the WA region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (47.8 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in DuPont
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 DuPont environment.
Covington Community Park
" DuPont observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from DuPont, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from DuPont; this destination is a justified detour. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" For the dedicated DuPont observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Big Rock Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from DuPont, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. 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 DuPont
Rural conditions near DuPont provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for DuPont
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Discover which telescopes can best cut through the remaining regional skyglow to see these scientific targets by viewing our gear recommendations.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Burroughs Mountain provide DuPont residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
DuPont enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Plummer Peak to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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 DuPont
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 DuPont residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to DuPont, 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 DuPont, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for DuPont
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Deep Sky Hunter profile.
Gearing Up for DuPont Nights
"Planning a 45-minute drive from DuPont means organization is key. Use padded equipment bags and a checklist to ensure you don't arrive at a remote dark site only to realize a crucial eyepiece was left back in DuPont."
The DuPont Field Kit
Designing a field kit for DuPont 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.