Fircrest
Stargazing Guide.
Just 21.6 miles from the center of Fircrest, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Fircrest
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~21.6 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 Fircrest offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Fircrest 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 Fircrest
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Fircrest, wait for the 4-day window surrounding the New Moon each month for the deepest contrast. Since the sun sets early in the late Winter months, you can often begin deep-sky imaging as early as 7 PM.
Expert Tips for Fircrest Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Fircrest residents, this usually means looking toward the rural horizons of WA to capture the lowest magnitude stars that are normally invisible from the city center. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (45.2 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Fircrest
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 Fircrest environment.
Covington Community Park
" Heading out from Fircrest toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" Heading out from Fircrest toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Fircrest 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
" Heading out from Fircrest toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 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
" Fircrest 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 Fircrest
Rural conditions near Fircrest provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Fircrest
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
For observers in Fircrest, Burroughs Mountain serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Fircrest, 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 Fircrest
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 Fircrest residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Fircrest, 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 Fircrest, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Fircrest
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 Fircrest Nights
"Staging for a night near Fircrest requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Fircrest Field Kit
When observing near Fircrest, the local atmospheric stability and the commute time to isolated zones are your primary logistical factors. 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. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.