Sequim
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Sequim area serves as a strategic corridor for WA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area with professional NPS sky reports at Obstruction Point for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Sequim
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~15.8 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 Island County Astronomical Society for updated site access and group observation schedules.
- STEP 4. Observation Density: There are 5 recognized sites near Sequim offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Sequim 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 Obstruction Point.
The Best Times for Stargazing in Sequim
For the best experience, target the late-night window between 1 AM and 4 AM in Sequim. 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 Sequim Observers
Don't underestimate the power of peripheral vision (averted vision). At sites near Sequim, 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 (17.0 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Sequim
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 Sequim's local horizons.
Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area
" Heading out from Sequim toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Comfort Tip: The ground cools faster than the air. Bring a reclining chair to keep your neck strain-free during marathon observation sessions. "
Paramount School Park
" Sequim observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Sequim, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. 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. "
Taylor Dock
" For the dedicated Sequim observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. 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. "
Covington Community Park
" For the dedicated Sequim observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Sequim
Rural conditions near Sequim provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Sequim
Access high-precision SQM readings from the National Park Service, providing the definitive baseline for regional darkness quality. Seeing the faint magnitude targets listed in these NPS readings often requires the specific gear we've staged for Sequim nights in our observer field kit.
Obstruction Point
Olympic NP
Local Relevance
Sequim enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Obstruction Point to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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
The scientific findings at Redoubt - American Camp provide Sequim residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"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 Sequim
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 Sequim residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The protected skies at Cottonwood Canyon State Park represent a vital astronomical asset for the Sequim observing community.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Sequim, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Sequim
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 Sequim residents to bring to your first meet-up.
Gearing Up for Sequim Nights
"Because you're heading just outside the Sequim light dome, ensure your kit includes a dedicated "dew shield" to protect your optics from the humidity shifts found in the transitions between urban and rural zones."
The Sequim Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Sequim requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. Since Hurricane Ridge Ski & Snowboard Area offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.