Where can I go to astronomize in/near Vancouver, WA?

Question

I just got my first 4" refractor, at the same time I got a little tabletop 60mm meade ETX autostar. I'm anxious to take my new hardware for a spin, but I don't want to wait for a star party with the local clubs, and the yard at my house and my dad's house gets good views but has many obstructing trees. Any suggestions for a place near Vancouver WA that you can stargaze at night?

Answer 1

First, there are clubs.  If you join one, you can typically then use their sites anytime.

The clear dark sky clock as a light pollution map.  Find an observatory near you, and click on the map link.

Plan with a planetarium program.  Several are free.

Download the two page PDF - a sky map.  One page has lists of objects you may see.  Do the easy naked eye stuff first.

Answer 2

you definitely want to hook up with local astronomers. they will know where the best sites are. the rose city astronomers web page shows a couple of sites just up i-84 past gresham.

there are lots of trees in the pacific northwest. this goes with the territory. :-)