As part of the review of BLM sites suitable for astronomy, let’s take a look at Washington specific sites. Out of the states in the Pacific Northwest, Washington has the fewest number of BLM sites, numbering at 28 BLM. That said, there are a wide range of opportunities and site types like islands that are not available in other states in the area.

There will be some sites that are only Day Use areas, in which we will not be recommending astronomy as the sites are designed to be used during the day only.

1. Split Rock
2. Folsom Farm Recreation Site
3. Cowiche Canyon Trail System

Due to safety concerns including but not limited to rattlesnakes and hunting season, the following site may be of concern.

1. Crab Creek
2. Telford Recreation Area

There are also some opportunities that are only accessible by water or are water activity related, here some areas of note.

1. Blind Island — Dock so light pollution and hard to get to.
2. Patos Island
3. Turn Point
4. Boundary Reservoir Recreation Area

For those who want to travel with only a camera and can stay on a trail, these sites are for you.

1. Saddle Mountains – Stay On Trails, no camping. Only ideal for potentially camera astrophotography. Would require in and out.
2. Juniper Dunes OHV Area — OHV site on sand dunes. This could theoretically work as a great place for a tripod and camera ONLY, but there are not any services provided at the location.

Here are harder to get to sites that could offer some opportunities:

1. Juniper Dunes Wilderness — Challenging to get there and be there. But potential for astrophotographers with cameras and mounts. Only non-motorized/non-mechanized access is allowed into the wilderness.
2. Govan Recreation Site–No Camping

The following sites would work, but are not necessarily ideal because of their proximity to a city and lights:

1. Horse Heaven Hills
2. Fishtrap Recreation Area — right by the highway. So lots of light pollution

Here are some good sites to utilize:

1. Twin Lakes Recreation Area – Camping Opportunities Available. Beware Rattlesnakes!
2. Douglas Creek
3. Yakima River Canyon – Camping! Good option.
4. Chopaka Lake and Chopaka Mountain Wilderness Study Area Motorized vehicles and mechanized transport (including bicycles) are not allowed in the WSA.
5. Yakima River Canyon Campgrounds (Umtanum, Lmuma Creek, Big Pines, Roza)
6. Palmer Mountain
7. Liberty Recreation Site
8. Log Gulch Recreation Site
9. South Huckleberry Mountains
10. Coffeepot Lake Recreation Site
11. Pacific Lake Recreation Site – Lakeview Ranch 
12. North Huckleberry Mountains
13. Rock Creek Recreation Site

What do you think? Did we miss anything? We have a list of great astronomy sites for the Pacific Northwest and other US states, so check those out too. Let us know in the comments below or via social media. We post articles regularly, on a weekly basis, so come back next week for more articles like this.