Dark Sky Sites -- Greenwater, WA

As promised, the Greenwater, WA area is the next in my list of dark sky sites. Greenwater is a small town on highway 410 on the way to Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and Mount Rainier National Park. It is only 45 minutes from my house in Auburn, WA, but, due to the mountainous terrain, has some great dark skies. Hopefully you noticed that I said "area." Greenwater is the gateway to a vast complex of forest roads. Intermingled in the forest are old clear-cuts giving great access to the sky in all directions.

The real fun begins when you travel about 2 miles to the east of Greenwater. On your right will be forest road 70. FR70 takes you into the heart of the Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National forest around the Greenwater river valley. Like I mentioned there are any number of clear cuts that could be used for astronomy -- the trick is finding them. Google Earth is an excellent way to find sites before you travel to the forest. But for starters try following FR70 until you reach FR7030. It'll be on your right and it crosses the Greenwater river. Follow FR7030 until you reach FR7036. FR7036 follows a ridge line that is approx. 5,000 to 6,000 feet in altitude with a large number of clearings. The location you use for observing is up to you :-)

Here's a Google map link to the area: Link to Greenwater area

M31 from a Greenwater mountaintop:
One thing to note. This is a remote area with mountain weather. Prepare yourself accordingly!