Olympia.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Olympia, WA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Olympia
- Top Community Pick: Covington Community Park (~43.5 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 4 at Plummer Peak
- Local Experts: Tacoma Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 5 distinct spots
Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Olympia, WA? While enthusiasts often gather at Covington Community Park for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at Plummer Peak provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 4. Atmospheric stability in the Olympia region is often influenced by local topography, which can help settle the air for high-magnification viewing.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Olympia
For the best results in Olympia, 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 Olympia Observers
When visiting Covington Community Park, remember to check if the gates close at sunset or if a night-use permit is required. For the best views this location, try to observe targets when they are highest in the sky to minimize atmospheric interference. 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.
Washington Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Covington Community Park
" Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Standard Advice: Dress in layers as temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision. "
Big Rock Park
" 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. "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
"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."
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
"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). Coastal cloud wall evident to west. ZLM of 6.4 seen in Auriga. SQM: 21.12 (1st), 21.08 (2nd), 21.17 (3rd)."
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.