Best place to see the Northern Lights: Seattle area/Western Washington?

September 12, 2014 11:03 AM

I'd really really REALLY love to see the lights tonight and I'm willing to drive a couple hours to get there. I live in Magnolia in Seattle. Where do I go?

Do you have a tried and true spot for nights like these? I'm willing to take a trip to get there. It's been a life-long dream to see the lights and this night seems particularly good due to atmospheric conditions and lack of cloud cover.

Thanks!

posted by Tevin to Science & Nature (12 answers total)

Dark as the devil himself in my Port Townsend backyard. That's where I'll be.
posted by humboldt32 at 11:22 AM on September 12, 2014

While I cannot answer specifically. If you look at the map here, the farther you are from cities and the darker the skies, the better it will be.

I don't see any of the darkest skies in Washington, but there are some pretty dark ones available.
posted by Leenie at 11:24 AM on September 12, 2014

My vote would be for Heather Meadows and Artist's Point above he ski area at the end of the Mount Baker Highway. Go up there early enough for the sunset and you won't be too disappointed even there's no aurora later. I can't be the only one thinking of this so it might be a little crowded.

It's supposed to be a good viewing chance tomorrow too? That might be simpler. You can hang out in Bellingham beforehand.
posted by sevenless at 11:26 AM on September 12, 2014

Some friends and I are headed to the North Bend/Snoqualmie area this evening to hopefully get a glimpse of these.
posted by stubbehtail at 11:45 AM on September 12, 2014

Response by poster: I have attempted to see the lights from that area (Snoqualmie/North Bend) before and not been successful. Could have been a bad night for it, but I was looking for a "sure spot" kind of thing. Doesn't seem like that's a thing, though.
posted by Tevin at 11:50 AM on September 12, 2014

I would second Heather Meadows and Artist's Point.
posted by bajema at 11:56 AM on September 12, 2014

Response by poster: Is it possible to drive to Artist's Point? Do you drive up there and then walk a hundred yards to the overlook?
posted by Tevin at 11:58 AM on September 12, 2014

Yes. You drive to the parking lot and then the overlook is a short, paved walk.
posted by sevenless at 12:00 PM on September 12, 2014

Response by poster: I called the ranger to verify Artist's Point would be accessible at night and he said it wouldn't be a problem! He was also a little confused because I wasn't the first person to call and said it would be "good as place as any" to see the lights.
posted by Tevin at 12:19 PM on September 12, 2014

This may be of assistance - Aurora Watch monitors geomagnetic activity out of Edmonton, Alberta, and offers a free email service to alert you when there is a high probability of seeing the northern lights.

The red alert option is probably going to be most useful to you. If it's strong up here, you stand a good chance of seeing something further south too. So at least you'll know when to keep your eyes peeled, rather than waiting all night.
posted by lizbunny at 1:06 PM on September 12, 2014 [2 favorites]

Does anyone have an opinion whether it would be worthwhile to try one of the beach parks, like Richmond Beach Park? I have to go somewhere I can drive up to since kids will be passed out in the back!
posted by lil' ears at 2:38 PM on September 12, 2014

Dark Sky Finder
Clear Sky Chart
International Dark-Sky Association
posted by theora55 at 2:42 PM on September 12, 2014 [2 favorites]