Summit View
Stargazing Guide.
Just 19.7 miles from the center of Summit View, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Summit View
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~19.7 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 Summit View offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Summit View 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 Summit View
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Summit View, 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 Summit View Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Summit View 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 (35.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Summit View
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 Summit View spots to preserve your night vision.
Covington Community Park
" Summit View 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
" Summit View observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Heading out from Summit View toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Paramount School Park
" Heading out from Summit View toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Summit View, 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 Summit View
Rural conditions near Summit View provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Summit View
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.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Summit View, 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
Summit View 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 Summit View
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 Summit View residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Summit View, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Summit View, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Summit View
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 Summit View residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Summit View Nights
"Staging for a night near Summit View 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 Summit View Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Summit View 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.