Midland
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Midland, WA. From the verified horizons at Covington Community Park to the scientific Bortle Class 4 reports at Burroughs Mountain, your journey to the stars starts here.
Stargazing Logistics for Midland
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~19.8 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 Tacoma Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Midland offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Midland is positioned in a strategic 'Starlight Corridor.' It is far enough from the WA metro glare to allow for deep-sky imaging, yet serves as a convenient staging area for the deeper Class 4 skies found at Burroughs Mountain.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Midland
In WA, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Midland residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.
Expert Tips for Midland Observers
If you're visiting Covington Community Park, bring a pack of chemical hand-warmers and rubber-band them to your eyepiece or camera lens. This acts as a 'budget' dew heater, which is essential for the humid nights often found in WA during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at Burroughs Mountain (39.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Midland
The most accessible and reliable viewing locations in the region, ranked by local observer feedback. To get the most out of these verified spots, ensure your mobile reconnaissance kit is ready for Midland's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" A manageable drive from Midland, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Heading out from Midland 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
" Midland observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "
Paramount School Park
" Midland observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" Midland 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. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Midland
Rural conditions near Midland provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Midland
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
For observers in Midland, Burroughs Mountain serves as the definitive baseline for high-altitude transparency and localized skyglow data.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Midland, 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 Midland
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 Midland observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The protected skies at Cottonwood Canyon State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Midland observing community.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Midland observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Midland
Join the local community of observers for group viewing events, equipment swaps, and technical workshops. Planning to join a local session? Make sure you have the essentials ready by checking our starter kit recommendations.
Gearing Up for Midland Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from Midland, we recommend a "split-tube" or collapsible Dobsonian. It gives you the power of a large light bucket while still fitting comfortably in most standard Midland commuter vehicles."
The Midland Field Kit
Every observer in Midland eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Covington Community Park sitting at a ~20-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. Consider these categories as a roadmap for moving from casual backyard viewing to professional-grade observation near Midland.