Fairwood
Stargazing Guide.
Just 5.9 miles from the center of Fairwood, 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 Fairwood
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~5.9 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 Boeing Employees' Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Fairwood offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Fairwood acts as a primary gateway to the Covington Community Park zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at Burroughs Mountain just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Fairwood
Observation in Fairwood is most rewarding during the Summer months. During this time, the colder air masses over the Pacific region often result in significantly higher transparency, allowing you to see objects like the Andromeda Galaxy or Orion Nebula with much more definition.
Expert Tips for Fairwood Observers
Thermal equilibrium is key. Since Fairwood temperatures can shift rapidly after sunset, allow your telescope mirrors at least 45 minutes to 'cool down' before attempting high-magnification work at Covington Community 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 Burroughs Mountain (42.9 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Fairwood
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 Fairwood spots to preserve your night vision.
Covington Community Park
" Practically in Fairwood's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Fairwood 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
" Fairwood observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Atmospheric Tip: Scintillation (star twinkling) is a sign of high-altitude turbulence. If stars are twinkling heavily, stick to low-magnification wide views. "
Big Rock Park
" A manageable drive from Fairwood, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 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. "
Paramount School Park
" Fairwood observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Fairwood
Rural conditions near Fairwood provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Fairwood
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
The scientific findings at Burroughs Mountain provide Fairwood residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Fairwood, Plummer Peak serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"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 Fairwood
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Certified dark skies like these are most rewarding when paired with the right aperture. Check out our suggested kit for Fairwood observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Fairwood stargazers often look to Cottonwood Canyon State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Fairwood observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Fairwood
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 Forest Observer profile.
Gearing Up for Fairwood Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Fairwood means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Fairwood early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Fairwood Field Kit
Every observer in Fairwood eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. The difference between the Fairwood city center and the instrumented readings at sites 6 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 Fairwood.