Lynnwood
Stargazing Guide.
Just 5.3 miles from the center of Lynnwood, 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 Lynnwood
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Paramount School Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~5.3 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 Seattle Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Lynnwood offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Lynnwood. This is when local industrial lighting and residential 'sky glow' is at its minimum, and the most prominent Winter constellations are directly overhead at the zenith.
Expert Tips for Lynnwood Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Lynnwood, looking slightly to the side of a faint nebula will reveal much more detail than looking directly at it, especially when dealing with the Class 5+ suburban skies of the WA region. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Obstruction Point (50.4 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Lynnwood
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 Lynnwood spots to preserve your night vision.
Paramount School Park
" A short hop from Lynnwood, this spot is a top-tier local choice. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" Lynnwood observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 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
" Heading out from Lynnwood toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Heading out from Lynnwood toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 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. "
Covington Community Park
" Lynnwood 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. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Lynnwood
Rural conditions near Lynnwood provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Lynnwood
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, Lynnwood observers should check our recommended optics kit.
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Obstruction Point provide Lynnwood residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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."
Redoubt - American Camp
San Juan Island NHP
Local Relevance
For observers in Lynnwood, Redoubt - American Camp serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"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. 5th incomplete and no good."
Dark Sky Oasis near Lynnwood
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 Lynnwood observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Lynnwood
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 Lynnwood residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Lynnwood Nights
"The proximity of verified spots to Lynnwood means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Lynnwood early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."
The Lynnwood Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Lynnwood requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With Paramount School Park sitting at a ~5-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.