Olympia
Stargazing Guide.
Just 43.5 miles from the center of Olympia, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Plummer Peak to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Olympia
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~43.5 mile radius.
- STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 3 rating from Plummer Peak 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 Olympia offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Olympia 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 3 skies found at Plummer Peak.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Olympia
In WA, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Olympia residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Olympia Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Olympia 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 3 at Plummer Peak (58.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Olympia
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 Olympia's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" A manageable drive from Olympia, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Olympia, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Olympia; this destination is a justified detour. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" While it's a bit of a journey from Olympia, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. Deep Sky Advice: Allow at least 20 minutes in total darkness for your pupils to fully dilate. You'll notice faint nebulae that were invisible at first. "
Big Rock Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Olympia, 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 Olympia
Rural conditions near Olympia provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Olympia
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.
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Olympia enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Plummer Peak to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Considerable detail visible in Milky Way, including dust lanes of Cygnus. M31 an easy averted, but difficult direct vision object. Faint shadows are cast by the light of Seattle/Tacoma. High humidity visible in valley below (settling into a very thin fog)."
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Olympia enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Plummer Peak to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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 Olympia
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 Olympia residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The protected skies at Cottonwood Canyon State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Olympia observing community.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Olympia observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Olympia
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 Olympia Nights
"For the extended excursion from Olympia, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Olympia Field Kit
Every observer in Olympia eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Olympia city center and the instrumented readings at sites 44 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 Olympia.