Eastmont
Stargazing Guide.
Just 12.3 miles from the center of Eastmont, lies some of the region's best viewing at Paramount School Park. We feature instrumented readings from Obstruction Point to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Eastmont
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Paramount School Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~12.3 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 Everett Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Eastmont offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Eastmont acts as a primary gateway to the Paramount School Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Obstruction Point just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Eastmont
In WA, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Eastmont residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Eastmont Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Eastmont temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at Paramount School Park. This prevents 'tube currents' from blurring your view of Jupiter or Saturn. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Obstruction Point (55.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Eastmont
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. Max out your local session by using the essential observer gear staged for the Eastmont environment.
Paramount School Park
" A short hop from Eastmont, this spot is a top-tier local choice. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" A short hop from Eastmont, this spot is a top-tier local choice. 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. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" A manageable drive from Eastmont, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Heading out from Eastmont toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Sky Contrast Tip: To see the Milky Way, wait for the Moon to go below the horizon; even a 25% crescent Moon can wash out the faintest nebulae. "
Covington Community Park
" A manageable drive from Eastmont, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Eastmont
Rural conditions near Eastmont provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Eastmont
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, Eastmont observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Eastmont, Obstruction Point serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"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. Otherwise the sky is very modified by light pollution. ZLM 6.9 with difficulty, the eastern sky must be shielded by the ridgetop to achieve this as it definitely affects scotopic vision. The treeless ridge is easy to navigate by the light of the sky. Milky Way easily seen near the zenith,but loses its character rapidly approaching the horizon. Fog appears to move in in early morning through the Strait of Juan de Fuca into the northern Puget Sound area, suppressing light pollution and significantly improving the sky quality."
Redoubt - American Camp
San Juan Island NHP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Redoubt - American Camp provide Eastmont residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"Class 4. Hazy, fog to the south, high humidity, seeing very good, transparency fair. Sky at 30 degrees altitude and lower much poorer than other parts, airglow cannot be discerned because of light domes and haze. No Zodiacal light, even in AM. Evening hours better, Cygnus milky way at Zenith well displayed but later the entire band looks washed out. Dark adaptation difficult. Port Angeles and Port Townsend visible in early evening, lost in fog late. Puget Sound light dome subdued, Victoria light dome bright but cut off vertically to the south, presumably because of fog. Data sets 1-3 OK, 4th has problem with wire pulling out of camera, no good."
Dark Sky Oasis near Eastmont
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 Eastmont, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
Eastmont 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 Eastmont
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Don't show up to the club dark-site empty-handed. View the field kit we've curated for the The Solar System Guide profile.
Gearing Up for Eastmont Nights
"Staging for a night near Eastmont 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 Eastmont Field Kit
Every observer in Eastmont eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Eastmont city center and the instrumented readings at sites 12 miles away is staggering, requiring optics that can handle both glare and deep contrast. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Eastmont.