Tanglewilde
Stargazing Guide.
Just 38.6 miles from the center of Tanglewilde, lies some of the region's best viewing at Covington Community Park. We feature instrumented readings from Burroughs Mountain to guarantee the most accurate sky quality data.
Stargazing Logistics for Tanglewilde
- STEP 1. Primary Staging Area: Covington Community Park. This is your most reliable community-vetted hub within a ~38.6 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 Tanglewilde offering varied horizons and atmospheric stability levels.
Tanglewilde 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 Tanglewilde
While Winter offers the most consistent clear nights for Tanglewilde, 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 Tanglewilde Observers
When observing from Covington Community Park, try to position yourself facing away from the nearest major light dome. For Tanglewilde 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 (52.9 miles away) remains the benchmark for regional sky quality.
Best Spots for Stargazing in Tanglewilde
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 Tanglewilde's local horizons.
Covington Community Park
" A manageable drive from Tanglewilde, this spot is a reliable regional favorite. Dress more warmly than you think necessay. Please be careful walking around after dark. "
Paramount School Park
" While it's a bit of a journey from Tanglewilde, the sky quality here is worth the fuel. 'Dress warmly. Redlight flashlights only. "
Snoqualmie Point Park
" For the dedicated Tanglewilde observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Please, no white lights. Any cell phones and flashlights need to be tinted deep red. "
Rattlesnake Mountain Trailhead
" For the dedicated Tanglewilde observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. Scientific Fact: Around 3 AM, the atmosphere is usually most stable, offering the 'steadiest seeing' for high-magnification planetary views. "
Big Rock Park
" For the dedicated Tanglewilde observer, this spot offers a superior escape from light pollution. 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 Tanglewilde
Rural conditions near Tanglewilde provide excellent contrast for the Milky Way and bright star clusters.
Sky Quality Reports for Tanglewilde
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 Tanglewilde nights in our observer field kit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Burroughs Mountain provide Tanglewilde residents with the most reliable data on regional atmospheric stability.
"High Cirrus to North West"
Plummer Peak
Mount Rainier NP
Local Relevance
The scientific findings at Plummer Peak provide Tanglewilde 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 Tanglewilde
Elite viewing locations officially recognized by DarkSky International for their pristine celestial environments. Planning a trip to a nearby Dark Sky Park? Ensure your kit is ready by viewing our staged observer advice below.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Tanglewilde stargazers often look to Cottonwood Canyon State Park as the gold standard for regional darkness and pristine celestial horizons.
99989 Highway 206
Antelope, Oregon
As one of the closest certified environments to Tanglewilde, Antelope, Oregon offers a rare window into the true depth of the Milky Way.
94237 McGreer St. Antelope, OR 97001
Astronomy Clubs for Tanglewilde
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 Tanglewilde Nights
"For the extended excursion from Tanglewilde, prioritize "travel-ready" optics. A 4.5-inch reflector or 70mm refractor provides the perfect balance of discovery power and trunk-space efficiency."
The Tanglewilde Field Kit
Designing a field kit for Tanglewilde requires understanding the specific transition from urban skyglow to the regional pristine benchmarks. With Covington Community Park sitting at a ~39-mile benchmark, your gear selection should mirror your willingness to travel. The following levels represent a logical path for growing your observatory without over-complicating your local field sessions.