Fort Lewis
Stargazing Guide.
Just 28.8 miles from the center of Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~28.8 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 Fort Lewis offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Fort Lewis 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 Fort Lewis
In WA, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Fort Lewis residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Fort Lewis Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Fort Lewis 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 (43.9 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Fort Lewis
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 Fort Lewis's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" Fort Lewis 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. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Fort Lewis, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Fort Lewis; this destination is a justified detour. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Paramount School Park
" For the dedicated Fort Lewis observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Fort Lewis, 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 Fort Lewis
Rural conditions near Fort Lewis provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Fort Lewis
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
Fort Lewis 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
The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Fort Lewis 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 Fort Lewis
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 Fort Lewis residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The protected skies at Cottonwood Canyon State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Fort Lewis observing community.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
Fort Lewis 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 Fort Lewis
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 Fort Lewis Nights
"For the extended excursion from Fort Lewis, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Fort Lewis Field Kit
Every observer in Fort Lewis eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Covington Community Park sitting at a ~29-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 Fort Lewis.