Kent
Stargazing Guide.
Just 5.5 miles from the center of Kent, 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 Kent
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~5.5 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 Kent offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Kent 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 Kent
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Kent, 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 Kent Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Kent 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 (41.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Kent
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 Kent environment.
Covington Community Park
" Practically in Kent'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
" Heading out from Kent toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Heading out from Kent toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Paramount School Park
" A manageable drive from Kent, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" Kent 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 Kent
Rural conditions near Kent provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Kent
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 Kent nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Kent, 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 Kent, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Kent
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 Kent Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Kent means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Kent early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Kent Field Kit
Every observer in Kent eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Kent city center and the instrumented readings at sites 6 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Kent.