Artondale
Stargazing Guide.
Just 25.7 miles from the center of Artondale, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Obstruction Point to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Artondale
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~25.7 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 Tacoma Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Artondale offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Artondale 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 Obstruction Point.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Artondale
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Artondale, 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 Artondale Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Artondale 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 (55.0 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Artondale
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 Artondale spots to preserve your night vision.
Covington Community Park
" Artondale 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. "
Paramount School Park
" Heading out from Artondale toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Artondale 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
" A manageable drive from Artondale, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Night Vision Tip: Red light is the only color that won't break your dark adaptation. Invest in a red headlamp for hands-free navigation. "
Big Rock Park
" Heading out from Artondale toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 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 Artondale
Rural conditions near Artondale provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Artondale
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Artondale nights in our observer field kit.
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Obstruction Point provide Artondale residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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
The scientific findings at Burroughs Mountain provide Artondale residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Dark Sky Oasis near Artondale
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 Artondale, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
Artondale stargazers often look to Antelope, Oregon as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Artondale
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 Artondale residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Artondale Nights
"For the extended excursion from Artondale, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Artondale Field Kit
When observing near Artondale, the local atmospheric stability and the commute time to isolated zones are your primary logistical factors. 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. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.