Five Corners
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Five Corners area serves as a strategic corridor for WA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like cruise ship with professional NPS sky reports at Burroughs Mountain for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Five Corners
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: cruise ship. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~6.3 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 Rose City Astronomers for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 2 recognized sites near Five Corners offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Five Corners acts as a primary gateway to the cruise ship 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 Five Corners
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Five Corners, 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 Five Corners Observers
When observing from cruise ship, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Five Corners 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 Burroughs Mountain (80.6 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Five Corners
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 Five Corners spots to preserve your night vision.
cruise ship
" Just a quick dash for Five Corners residents, this location offers great convenience. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Sasquatch Family Farms
" For the dedicated Five Corners observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Five Corners
Rural conditions near Five Corners provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Five Corners
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
Five Corners enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Burroughs Mountain in Mount Rainier NP on 8/13/2007. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.28 SQM."
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Five Corners residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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 Five Corners
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Experience the full, pristine depth of these IDA certified skies with the precision stargazing gear we recommend for Five Corners residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Five Corners, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
Five Corners 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 Five Corners
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 Five Corners residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Five Corners Nights
"With such a short hop from Five Corners to the stars, your gear kit should prioritize "setup speed." Use a stable Alt-Az mount that lets you start viewing the moment you park."
The Five Corners Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Five Corners requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With cruise ship sitting at a ~6-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.