South Hill
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of South Hill, WA. From the verified horizons at Covington Community Park to the scientific Bortle Class 4 reports at Burroughs Mountain, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for South Hill
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~19.1 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 Tacoma Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near South Hill offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
South Hill 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 4 skies found at Burroughs Mountain.
The Best Times for Stargazing in South Hill
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for South Hill, 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 South Hill Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For South Hill 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 (32.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in South Hill
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 South Hill's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" South Hill observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Heading out from South Hill 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
" Heading out from South Hill toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "
Paramount School Park
" A manageable drive from South Hill, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from South Hill, 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 South Hill
Rural conditions near South Hill provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for South Hill
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, South Hill observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in South Hill, Burroughs Mountain serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
South Hill 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 South Hill
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to South Hill, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the South Hill observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for South Hill
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 South Hill residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for South Hill Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from South Hill, we recommend a "split-tube" or collapsible Dobsonian. It gives you the power of a large light bucket while still fitting comfortably in most standard South Hill commuter vehicles."
The South Hill Field Kit
Designing a field kit for South Hill requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Covington Community Park offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.