Thanks to the abundance of high alpine areas, the Evergreen State is an excellent place for stargazing. The only enemy that astronomy enthusiasts can encounter in Washington is rain. As it rains a lot here, make sure to check the weather forecast before you plan your stargazing excursion.
The rainiest time of the year in Washington is the winter season from October through March. Usually, the Milky Way is best seen in the Pacific Northwest from late spring to early fall. However, you can also get a great stargazing experience during crisp and clear winter nights, especially with the new moon.
Mount Rainier National Park
With an elevation of 6,400 ft (1,950 m), Sunrise is the highest accessible point of Mount Rainier National Park and its most popular stargazing destination. It can be reached in about a two-hour drive from Seattle. Those who make the trip are rewarded with unobstructed views of the Milky Way and sometimes even northern lights.
Mowich Lake is another remote area at Mount Rainier, which boasts low light pollution. Located at 4,929 ft (1,502 m), Mowich Lake offers great views of the shimmering stars, the Milky Way, and various space objects.
Mount Adams
Being an active volcano in the Cascade Range, Mount Adams is a great place to enjoy dark skies. With an elevation of 12,281 ft (3,743 m), it has almost no light pollution. Mount Adams Wilderness offers many outdoor activities during the summer: camping, mountain climbing, hiking, backpacking, boating, fishing, rafting, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Leavenworth, a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, is an excellent destination for skiing, hiking, and also stargazing. Lake Wenatchee State Park, which can be reached within a two-hour drive from Seattle, is the most popular stargazing spot here. Set up your camera in the beach area of the park, and you'll capture stunning images of the night skies. Even the northern lights can be seen during the fall and winter seasons.
The Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula, located in western Washington, across Puget Sound from Seattle, boasts many excellent spots to look at the skies. Visit Deer Park to see meteor showers in the summer and northern lights in the winter. Illahee State Park is another great destination with 23 campgrounds, beaches, and various amenities. Kalaloch Beach and Third Beach are very popular in the summer due to the proximity of the beach and beautiful unobstructed views. The Ozette Triangle, on the Olympic Wilderness Coast, is another wonderful place for camping and overnight photography on the beach.
North Cascades
A popular hiking and photography destination, Artist Point is located between Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. With 5,000 ft (1,524 m) of elevation, it offers views of endless skies day and night. The hiking trail to Artists Point is open during the summer season only. The place is popular because of spectacular meteor showers and the Milky Way views.
Practical info
When is the best time of year for stargazing in Washington?
Washington state offers great stargazing all year round, but the best time is between May and September. During these months, the weather is generally drier with mild temperatures resulting in better visibility. However, the winter nights can also provide a great stargazing experience, especially during the new moon when the sky is clear and crisp. Show more
Where is the best place for stargazing in Washington?
Stargazing enthusiasts can find great spots all around Washington. The Cascade Range's Mount Adams is a favored location for stargazing since there is little light pollution. Illahee State Park, Kalaloch Beach, and the Ozette Triangle offer uninterrupted views of the night sky. Mount Rainier National Park's Mowich Lake and Sunrise areas are popular destinations for stargazing offering unparalleled views of the Milky Way and other cosmic phenomena. Show more
What are the most popular stargazing destinations in Mount Rainier National Park?
Mowich Lake and Sunrise are the two most popular stargazing destinations in Mount Rainier National Park. Mowich Lake is located at 4,929 ft (1,502 m), and its remote location reduces light pollution, giving a clear view of the night sky. Sunrise is the highest area in the park with unobstructed views of the Milky Way and Northern Lights, making it a favorite spot for astronomy enthusiasts. Show more
When can the northern lights be seen in Lake Wenatchee State Park?
Lake Wenatchee State Park is a great spot to view the Northern Lights during the fall and winter seasons. When away from light pollution, clear and chilly nights provide the ideal opportunity to catch a glimpse of this stunning natural occurrence. The park has a beach area below the Wenatchee Mountains, where photographers and hikers can capture the aurora's beauty and how it accentuates the natural environment. Show more
What is the best time of year for meteor showers at Olympic Peninsula's Deer Park?
Deer Park on the Olympic Peninsula is a place to see meteor showers in the summer. Its location provides a great opportunity for an unforgettable stargazing experience, owing to the absence of light pollution and delightfully clear summer skies. Besides seeing meteor showers during summer, Deer Park is ideal for winter stargazing, featuring clear the skies to bring the beauty of the aurora to view. Show more
