Steilacoom
Stargazing Guide.
Discover why the Steilacoom area serves as a strategic corridor for WA observers. We combine community-vetted spots like Covington Community Park with professional NPS sky reports at Burroughs Mountain for a complete astronomical perspective.
Stargazing Logistics for Steilacoom
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~26.8 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 Steilacoom offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Steilacoom 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 Steilacoom
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Steilacoom, 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 Steilacoom Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Steilacoom 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 (46.7 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Steilacoom
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 Steilacoom environment.
Covington Community Park
" Steilacoom 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. "
Paramount School Park
" Steilacoom observers often find this mid-distance site perfect for a full session. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" A manageable drive from Steilacoom, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" Heading out from Steilacoom toward this location will reward you with steady horizons. 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. "
Big Rock Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Steilacoom, 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. "
2026 Celestial Roadmap for Steilacoom
Rural conditions near Steilacoom provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Steilacoom
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 Steilacoom, 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
Steilacoom enthusiasts typically use the instrumented readings from Plummer Peak to calibrate their deep-sky expectations for the area.
"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 Steilacoom
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 Steilacoom observers.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
As one of the closest certified environments to Steilacoom, Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Steilacoom, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Steilacoom
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 Steilacoom Nights
"The transition from the Steilacoom skyglow to these mid-range sites is significant. A simple red-light headlamp is your most important accessory here to navigate safely without ruining your hard-won night vision."
The Steilacoom Field Kit
Every observer in Steilacoom eventually builds a "go-bag" tailored to our specific regional humidity and site accessibility. With Covington Community Park sitting at a ~27-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 Steilacoom.