Clarkston.
The definitive guide to dark skies and celestial observation in Clarkston, WA. Verified using National Park Service and NASA Night Sky Network Clubs data.
Quick Guide for Clarkston
- Top Community Pick: Camp Four Echoes (~68.3 miles)
- Best Scientific Reading: Bortle 2.0 at nimí·pu· Camp
- Local Experts: Spokane Astronomical Society
- Verified Observations: 1 distinct spots
Searching for a clear window into the cosmos near Clarkston, WA? While enthusiasts often gather at Camp Four Echoes for its accessibility, scientific audits conducted by the National Park Service at nimí·pu· Camp provide the most accurate reading of the regional sky quality, measuring at a Bortle 2.0. The transition between the urban infrastructure of Clarkston and the more rural stretches of WA creates several ‘dark sky’ corridors.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Clarkston
For the best results in Clarkston, aim for a ‘New Moon’ window. In these dark-sky conditions, the absence of moonlight allows the Milky Way to cast visible shadows.
Expert Tips for Clarkston Observers
Before heading out to Camp Four Echoes, we recommend arriving during civil twilight to scout the terrain safely. A medium-aperture telescope is ideal for resolving the rings of Saturn and bright star clusters the site. Local enthusiasts often frequent this spot, making it a great place to meet experienced observers. Regardless of your gear, allow 30 minutes for your eyes to fully dark-adapt.
Washington Guide
Local Top Spots
Community-vetted locations known for clear horizons and accessibility for telescopes and astrophotography.
Camp Four Echoes
" Bring a red-light flashlight, or wrap red cellophane around the front of a white-light flashlight.' "
NPS Sky Measurements
Instrumented readings from the National Park Service Night Sky Program, providing the most accurate SQM and Bortle classifications.
nimí·pu· Camp
Big Hole NB
"Set up camera equipment on the trail to the camp. Clouds in the afternoon all cleared out by 9:00 pm, though it appeared as if some fire smoke moved through the northern horizon later in the night. Excellent night sky viewing from this park, rivaling sites on the Colorado Plateau. A single yard light on a ranch building 2.5 miles north was bothersome, otherwise no visible lights seen from this location. A very faint light dome from Butte (60 miles distant) and nothing apparent from Wisdom, the nearest community (9 miles). Very fine detail visble in the Milky Way, with the Prancing Horse easily seen and the dust lanes in great detail. Stars are visible to the horizon in the south. Saw limiting magnitude star of 7.2 in Draco. Mars and Jupiter very bright to the SE and SW."
Burch Mountain
Chelan County
"Partly cloudy at the beginning of the night and gradually became clear later. Humid but no wind."
International Dark Sky Parks
Premier locations certified for their exceptional dark sky quality and commitment to light pollution mitigation.
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge
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Cottonwood Canyon State Park
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Local Astronomy Clubs
Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts through local astronomical societies and community groups.