Stargazing at North Mountain
STARGAZING PARTY – NORTH MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT, AUG. 13
post from Tyller Boomgaarden
Everyone is invited to join the free public Stargazing Party at the tower on Thursday, Aug. 13, starting at 7 p.m.
The timing of August 13 is special this year: The Perseids meteor shower peaks under a new moon, offering the darkest viewing conditions in years. Up to 100 meteors might be seen every hour. Telescopes will be set up on the ground near the tower, possibly in cooperation with the Seattle Astronomical Society.
Parking is limited in the upper lot, with a shuttle for telescopes and anyone who'd rather skip the 1.25-mile walk from the gate, where you can park. Organizers suggest eating beforehand or bringing some dinner; light refreshments are planned at the foot of the tower. No drones, please.
Interest has spread well beyond the valley — the event now appears on regional pilots' calendars as an overnight fly-in destination for Darrington Municipal Airport, and RSVPs have been climbing daily.
Visitors making a night of it can find camping at Whitehorse Campground on North Mountain Road, Squire Creek Park, or Clear Creek Campground, plus rooms at the Darrington Motor Inn.
For questions and updates: northmountainlookout@gmail.com or find Friends of North Mountain on Facebook.
The star party is hosted by Friends of North Mountain, a division of Darrington Strong. The volunteer group restored the North Mountain Fire Lookout, and now manages this very successful Air B&B. For the history of the lookout and how to stay the night there, see this page.
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