Myrtletown
Stargazing Guide.

Just 7.3 miles from the center of Myrtletown, lies some of the region's best viewing at Kneeland Airport. We feature instrumented readings from AJ Road to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.

Scientific NPS Bortle Regional Benchmarking
4
~64.1mi at AJ Road
Scientific NPS SQM Instrumented Reading
21.87
Regional Atmospheric Base
Verified Spots Community Vetted
5
~7.3mi to Kneeland Airport
Dark Sky Oasis Certified IDA Park
98.3mi
IDA: Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Stargazing Logistics for Myrtletown

  • STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Kneeland Airport. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~7.3 mile radius.
  • STEP 2. Sky Quality Baseline: Classified as Class B (Rural). Use the instrumented 4 rating from AJ Road as your technical benchmark for the region.
  • STEP 3. Local Support: Contact Astronomers of Humboldt for updated site access and group observation schedules.
  • STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Myrtletown offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Local Observation Strategy

Myrtletown acts as a primary gateway to the Kneeland Airport zone. This proximity allows for scientific-grade viewing (Class 4) at AJ Road just a short 15-minute drive from the city center, making it a rare 'Hub' for serious observers.

The Best Times for Stargazing in Myrtletown

In CA, the transitional periods of early Summer often provide a stable atmosphere between weather fronts. For Myrtletown residents, this means less 'star twinkling' (scintillation) and a significantly steadier view for high-magnification planetary observation.

Expert Tips for Myrtletown Observers

If you're visiting Kneeland Airport, 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 CA during the peak viewing seasons. Scientific Context: While local conditions vary, the instrumented reading of Bortle 4 at AJ Road (64.1 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.

Regional Perspective: Myrtletown is situated just 11.3 miles from McKinleyville, but its local horizon often provides a more stable viewing experience for planetary targets.
Community Vetted
Methodology Verified

Best Spots for Stargazing in Myrtletown

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 Myrtletown environment.

Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 90%

Kneeland Airport

7.3 mi
Distance

" A short hop from Myrtletown, this spot is a top-tier local choice. Veteran Pro-Tip: Avoid using your phone's white screen. Even with low brightness, it resets your eye's Rhodopsin levels instantly. "

Kneeland CA, CA 95549
Get Directions
Premier Verified Hub Confidence: 90%

Albee Creek campground

34.1 mi
Distance

" A manageable drive from Myrtletown, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. 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. "

Weott, CA 95536
Get Directions
Active Viewing Spot Confidence: 67.5%

Kneeland School

10.5 mi
Distance

" Practically in Myrtletown's backyard, we recommend this for spontaneous nights. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "

Kneeland, CA 95549
Get Directions
Community Gathering Point Confidence: 62.5%

Hydesville Elementary School

16.6 mi
Distance

" Myrtletown observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. Vision Technique: Try 'Averted Vision'—look slightly to the side of a faint object to use the more light-sensitive rods in your eyes. "

Hydesville, CA 95547
Get Directions
Community Gathering Point Confidence: 55%

College of the Redwoods

2.4 mi
Distance

" Just a quick dash for Myrtletown residents, this location offers great convenience. Local Horizon Tip: Before setting up, scout for north-facing tree clearings to ensure you have a clear path to the Polaris and the circumpolar stars. "

Eureka, CA 95503
Get Directions
Celestial Alert
Real-Time Tracking

2026 Celestial Roadmap for Myrtletown

Rural conditions near Myrtletown provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.

Swipe
Instrumented Data

Sky Quality Reports for Myrtletown

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, Myrtletown observers should check our recommended optics kit.

AJ Road

Redwood NP

64.1 mi
Distance
21.87 SQM
Bortle Class 4

Local Relevance

Myrtletown enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from AJ Road to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.

"As time progresses trees to the west will block this view. However, on this date a reasonable monitoring site for Crescent City impacts. Seeing very good, transparency good. Sky is significantly impacted to the zenith because of proximity to town, but still fairly dark with good visibility of faint stars."

Observation Date
5/4/2011
Elevation
622m
Zenith Brightness
21.91

Schoolhouse Peak

Redwood NP

28.3 mi
Distance
21.71 SQM
Bortle Class 3

Local Relevance

Myrtletown enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Schoolhouse Peak to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.

"Site on ridgeline northwest of fire lookout, accessible by foot on lookout road with small cross country hike to ridgetop. Outstanding location for astronomy, perfect monitoring site. Seeing excellent, transparency good. Very dark at zenith, small light domes from distant cities to north and east, main light dome from Eureka to southwest, bright but extends only to about 15 degrees above the horizon. The rest of the sky is essentially pristine."

Observation Date
5/4/2011
Elevation
943m
Zenith Brightness
22.01
Certified Destinations

Dark Sky Oasis near Myrtletown

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 Myrtletown observers.

International Dark Sky Park Certified

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

The protected skies at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve represent a vital astronomical asset for the Myrtletown observing community.

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve 21000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523

Scale
18.42 Sq. Km
Coordinates
42.1032, -123.4019
International Dark Sky Sanctuary Certified

Oregon Outback

As one of the closest certified environments to Myrtletown, Oregon Outback offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.

Lake County Chamber of Commerce 126 North E Street, Lakeview, OR 97630

Scale
10,074.21 Sq. Km
Coordinates
42.4480, -120.2809
Community Hubs

Astronomy Clubs for Myrtletown

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 Planetary Expert profile.

NASA Club ID
#572
1.9 mi
Distance

Astronomers of Humboldt

Eureka, CA

NASA Club ID
#510
84.3 mi
Distance

Shasta Astronomy Club

Whiskeytown, CA

The Planetary Expert's Staging Advice

Gearing Up for Myrtletown Nights

"The proximity of verified spots to Myrtletown means thermal equilibrium is your biggest gear factor. Set your gear outside in Myrtletown early so it's ready the moment you arrive at the eyepiece."

The Myrtletown Field Kit

Every observer in Myrtletown eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Kneeland Airport sitting at a ~7-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 Myrtletown.

Level 1: EssentialsLevel 2: OpticsLevel 3: Power