Seattle
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Seattle area serves as a strategic corridor for WA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Paramount School Park with professional NPS sky reports at Obstruction Point for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Seattle
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Paramount School Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~9.4 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 Seattle offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Seattle acts as a primary gateway to the Paramount School 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 Seattle
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Seattle, 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 Seattle Observers
When observing from Paramount School Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Seattle 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 Obstruction Point (53.3 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Seattle
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 Seattle spots to preserve your night vision.
Paramount School Park
" Just a quick dash for Seattle residents, this location offers great convenience. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" Seattle 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. "
Covington Community Park
" A manageable drive from Seattle, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Heading out from Seattle 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
" Seattle observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Thermal Mastery: Set your telescope out an hour early to allow the mirrors to reach 'thermal equilibrium' with the night air. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Seattle
Rural conditions near Seattle provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Seattle
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
Seattle enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Obstruction Point to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Transparency remarkably good after yesterday's fire smoke, seeing very good. Few high clouds to the west and north, remnants of fire smoke to the northeast. Direct glare from many very bright lights on Vancouver Island and a few Port Angeles lights, otherwise the high ridges of the Olympic Mountains effectively block any other glare from the Puget Sound area. After moon sets, the zenith is quite dark with the Cygnus Milky Way very detailed, but a broad and fairly bright light dome toward Seattle and Puget Sound dominates the eastern sky. Excellent site for monitoring. Perhaps an area 30 degrees in diameter near the zenith offers reasonable visual observations."
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
Seattle enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Dark Sky Oasis near Seattle
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 Seattle observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Seattle stargazers often look to Cottonwood Canyon State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Seattle, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Seattle
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 Seattle Nights
"With such a short hop from Seattle 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 Seattle Field Kit
When observing near Seattle, the local atmospheric stability and the immediate access to verified hubs are your primary logistical factors. The difference between the Seattle city center and the instrumented readings at sites 9 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.