Kalispell.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Kalispell, MT. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Kalispell
- Top Community Pick: Holbrook Lookout (~13.5 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 3.0 at Huckleberry Mtn
- Local Experts: Big Sky Astronomy Club
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
If you’re looking to escape the light pollution of Kalispell, you’re in luck. While enthusiasts often gather at Holbrook Lookout for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Huckleberry Mtn provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 3.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Kalispell and the more rural stretches of MT creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Kalispell
For the best results in Kalispell, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.
Expert Tips for Kalispell Observers
Before heading out to Holbrook Lookout, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. Binoculars are a favorite for regulars the site for sweeping views of the Moon’s craters and larger constellations. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Montana Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Holbrook Lookout
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Wayfarers State Park
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
West Valley Fire Station
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
The Observatory
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Flathead Valley Community College
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Huckleberry Mtn
Glacier NP
"Instrument set up on ridge just NW of the lookout. Seeing good, transparency very good. Glow to the northwest from airglow or aurora, not as bright east or southeast. Small light dome due north, fainter than Jupiter, another fainter smaller light dome northeast. Toward Columbia Falls lots of light, bright white glare illuminating the mountains from some sort of industrial yard, at least 10 unshielded lights visible, bright enough to kill night vision, casts shadows. Wonderful sky if you can get away from the glare. Milky Way directly overhead, very bright with much detail in Cygnus, all the rifts and holes apparent, North America nebula an easy visual object. Also in Cassiopeia much detail, bridge in the MIlky Way north of Mirfak visible. Sagittarius Milky Way washed out by Columbia falls area, the light dome of which extends 30 degrees from horizon upward, 40-50 degrees wide."
Logan Pass
Glacier NP
"Clear night with very good transparency during the first set. Decreasing transparency for remaining sets. High cirrus move on on N NE horizon. Some airglow sarting in the evening"
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge
The Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is located in Pleasant Valley, nestled in the Salish Mountains of northwestern Montana, United States.
Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada, and Glacier National Park in Montana, U.S., are collectively the first IDA International Dark Sky Parks…
Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.