Chasing Stars: The Best Places to Stargaze in Washington State

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Goldendale Observatory State Park – Goldendale, WA

Perched high above the Columbia River Gorge, the Goldendale Observatory is Washington’s crown jewel of public astronomy. Here, you’ll find one of the largest publicly accessible telescopes in the United States, plus a passionate crew who love to share the wonders of the universe.

Pricing: Free admission. Discover Pass required ($10/day or $30 annual).

Directions: From Yakima: Take I‑82 East → US‑97 South ~63 miles into Goldendale → E Broadway → N Columbus Ave → right onto Observatory Drive.

Pro Tip: Arrive early, dress warmly, and bring curiosity. Once the program starts, no late arrivals allowed.

Palouse Falls State Park – Eastern Washington

Remote and wild, Palouse Falls transforms from roaring waterfall by day to cosmic cathedral by night. The Milky Way sweeps right across the canyon for a show you’ll never forget.

Pricing: Day‑use $10 per vehicle (Discover Pass honored).

Directions: From I‑90 exit 221 at Ritzville → WA‑261 South 41 miles → left on Palouse Falls Road ~2.4 miles to park.

Pro Tip: Bring supplies and gas up before arriving — services are limited.

Hurricane Ridge – Olympic National Park

High in the Olympic Mountains, Hurricane Ridge offers alpine‑level stargazing above the clouds. I always say, "This is as close to Heaven as anyone can get". This place is magical! Catch one of the National Park Service’s free telescope nights if you can.

Pricing: Park entrance fee $15–$30 per vehicle. Night‑sky events are free.

Directions: From Port Angeles: follow Hurricane Ridge Road 17 miles south. From Seattle: I‑5 → Hwy 101 across Hood Canal Bridge.

Pro Tip: Roads can close in winter — check conditions. Bundle up.

Artist Point – Mount Baker / North Cascades

Once summer snow melts, Artist Point becomes a mountaintop window to the galaxy. You’ll see Mount Shuksan glowing under starlight and meteors streaking through the alpine air.

Pricing: Free. Northwest Forest Pass required ($5 day / $30 annual).

Directions: From Bellingham: drive east on Hwy 542 (Mount Baker Highway) to the end of the road (open in summer).

Pro Tip: Pack layers and camera gear — this is photographer heaven.

Fish Trap Recreation Area – Near Spokane, WA

Just 30 miles southwest of Spokane, Fish Trap offers wide‑open, dark skies ideal for quiet stargazing. Perfect for those who prefer solitude over crowds.

Pricing: Free entry. Bring your own telescope or binoculars.

Directions: From Spokane: I‑90 West → Fishtrap Road exit → 1.5 miles south to BLM trailhead.

Pro Tip: Minimal facilities — pack your own water and red‑light flashlight.

The REACH Museum & Tri‑City Astronomy Club – Richland, WA

For easy access and expert guidance, join the Tri‑City Astronomy Club’s telescope nights at the REACH Museum. Perfect for families and first‑time star gazers.

Pricing: Star‑party events are free. Museum admission: $12 adults / $6 seniors & students.

Directions: 1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352.

Pro Tip: Check event calendar before going — weather may change plans.

Pacific Northwest Regional Observatory (PNRO) – Horse Heaven Hills

Tucked between the Tri‑Cities and Walla Walla, PNRO sits beneath some of the darkest skies in Eastern Washington. Home to a research‑grade telescope used for public outreach.

Pricing: Free during outreach events (check ahead for availability).

Directions: Near Wallula in the Horse Heaven Hills, about a 40‑minute drive south of Richland.

Pro Tip: Bring GPS and flashlight — rural access and limited cell service.

Stargazing Tips for Your Next Night Out

• Check moon phases — new moons mean darker skies.

• Pack layers — even summer nights can get chilly.

• Bring binoculars or a small telescope.

• Use red-light flashlights to preserve night vision.

• Respect dark-sky rules — no bright lights or phones.

• Stay late; the Milky Way peaks around midnight.

My Favorite Mini Road‑Trip Route

Start in Richland at The REACH Museum for an easy urban star party, then head south to PNRO in the Horse Heaven Hills for a more advanced experience. Next, drive east to Palouse Falls for a camping night under desert stars. On your way back west, swing through Goldendale Observatory for a guided telescope show. It’s a weekend road trip through the galaxy — no spaceship required!

Final Thought

Washington’s night skies remind us that magic still exists — we just have to look up. Whether you’re camping beneath the Milky Way, snapping astrophotography on a chilly ridge, or watching Saturn’s rings through a telescope in Richland, every moment under the stars connects us to something greater. So next time the forecast says ‘clear skies,’ get outside and play.