Sammamish
Stargazing Guide.
Just 10.1 miles from the center of Sammamish, lies some of the region's best viewing at Big Rock Park. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Sammamish
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Big Rock Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~10.1 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 Seattle Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Sammamish offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Sammamish acts as a primary gateway to the Big Rock 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 Sammamish
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Sammamish, 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 Sammamish Observers
When observing from Big Rock Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Sammamish 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 (50.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Sammamish
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Pro Tip: Always bring a red-light flashlight to these Sammamish spots to preserve your night vision.
Big Rock Park
" A short hop from Sammamish, this spot is a top-tier local choice. 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. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Practically in Sammamish's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Practically in Sammamish's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Covington Community Park
" A manageable drive from Sammamish, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" Sammamish observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Sammamish
Rural conditions near Sammamish provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Sammamish
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. To resolve the deep-sky objects measured in these scientific reports, Sammamish observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Sammamish 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 Sammamish 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 Sammamish
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Sammamish observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The protected skies at Cottonwood Canyon State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Sammamish observing community.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Sammamish observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Sammamish
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Local astronomy clubs are great for testing gear; see what we suggest for Sammamish residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Sammamish Nights
"Staging for a night near Sammamish requires a balance of power and portability. Consider 10x50 binoculars as a primary scouting tool while your main telescope acclimates to the cooler rural air."
The Sammamish Field Kit
When observing near Sammamish, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. Since Big Rock Park offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.