Maltby
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Maltby area serves as a strategic corridor for WA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Big Rock Park with professional NPS sky reports at Obstruction Point for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Maltby
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Big Rock Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~6.9 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from Obstruction Point as your technical benchmark for the region.
- STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Seattle Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Maltby offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Maltby acts as a primary gateway to the Big Rock Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Obstruction Point just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Maltby
Observation in Maltby is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Maltby Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Maltby temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at Big Rock 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 Obstruction Point (59.8 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Maltby
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 Maltby environment.
Big Rock Park
" Practically in Maltby's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. 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. "
Paramount School Park
" Practically in Maltby's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Maltby 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
" A manageable drive from Maltby, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
Covington Community Park
" A manageable drive from Maltby, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Maltby
Rural conditions near Maltby provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Maltby
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.
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
Local Relevance
Maltby enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Obstruction Point to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Perhaps an area 30 degrees in diameter near the zenith offers reasonable visual observations. Otherwise the sky is very modified by light pollution. ZLM 6.9 with difficulty, the eastern sky must be shielded by the ridgetop to achieve this as it definitely affects scotopic vision. The treeless ridge is easy to navigate by the light of the sky. Milky Way easily seen near the zenith,but loses its character rapidly approaching the horizon. Fog appears to move in in early morning through the Strait of Juan de Fuca into the northern Puget Sound area, suppressing light pollution and significantly improving the sky quality."
Redoubt - American Camp
San Juan Island NHP
Local Relevance
For observers in Maltby, Redoubt - American Camp serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"Light domes all around, Victoria brightest and largest. Class 4. Hazy, fog to the south, high humidity, seeing very good, transparency fair. Sky at 30 degrees altitude and lower much poorer than other parts, airglow cannot be discerned because of light domes and haze. No Zodiacal light, even in AM. Evening hours better, Cygnus milky way at Zenith well displayed but later the entire band looks washed out."
Dark Sky Oasis near Maltby
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 Maltby residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Maltby stargazers often look to Cottonwood Canyon State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Maltby observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Maltby
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 Planetary Expert profile.
Gearing Up for Maltby Nights
"With such a short hop from Maltby to the stars, your gear kit should prioritize "setup speed." Use a stable Alt-Az mount that lets you start viewing the moment you park."
The Maltby Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Maltby requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With Big Rock Park sitting at a ~7-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.