Spanaway
Stargazing Guide.
Uncover the hidden celestial treasures of Spanaway, 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 Spanaway
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~23.9 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 Spanaway offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Spanaway 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 Spanaway
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Spanaway, 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 Spanaway Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Spanaway 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 (37.5 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Spanaway
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 Spanaway spots to preserve your night vision.
Covington Community Park
" Spanaway 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. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" Heading out from Spanaway 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 Spanaway toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. Meteor Watching Tip: Don't look at one spot; keep your eyes moving across the sky. Your peripheral vision is more sensitive to motion. "
Paramount School Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Spanaway, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Big Rock Park
" Pack some snacks for the drive from Spanaway; this destination is a justified detour. 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 Spanaway
Rural conditions near Spanaway provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Spanaway
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 Spanaway nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
For observers in Spanaway, 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
The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Spanaway 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 Spanaway
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 Spanaway residents.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Spanaway, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
The protected skies at Antelope, Oregon represent a vital astronomical asset for the Spanaway observing community.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Spanaway
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 Deep Sky Hunter profile.
Gearing Up for Spanaway Nights
"For the manageable 20-mile commute from Spanaway, 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 Spanaway commuter vehicles."
The Spanaway Field Kit
When observing near Spanaway, the local atmospheric stability and the commute time to isolated zones are your primary logistical factors. Since Covington Community Park offers a specific Class 4 horizon, your equipment needs to be calibrated for the unique transparency found in this part of the state. We've curated a specific progression of gear—from entry-level comfort to dedicated imaging hubs—to help you maximize every clear night.