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Crystal Mountain, Crystal Mountain, Washington

At 4,400 ft. base elevation and a quick two-hour drive from Seattle, Crystal Mountain, near the White River/Sunrise Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park is a favourite summertime camping destination for city slickers and a popular, year-round spot for stargazers. Surrounded by national park, national forest and wilderness lands, nothing gets between outdoor enthusiasts and the sprawling night skies.

Information: website or telephone: (888) SKI-6400

WildSpring Guest Habitat, Port Orford, Oregon

At this secluded five-cabin Zen getaway, about an hour north of the California border, spiritual seekers get their star fix in a variety of ways. Get horizontal after dark either with a massage or floating in the open-air slate spa which overlooks the ocean. Meander through a rock bordered labyrinth amongst a grove of towering Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, Port Orford cedar, and exotic myrtlewood while contemplating the heavens. Arrange for guided walking tours, horse riding on the beach, a jetboat up the Rogue River, or even just stay put and sway in cool evening breeze in a hammock while soaking up the peaceful night skies. From mid-May to mid-October, the weather is so predictable you can pretty much count on warm evening temperatures and clear skies, making star gazing an absolutely magical experience.

Information: website or telephone: (866) 333-9453

For further information on the area, visit our Washington State, Seattle and Oregon destination guides.

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About the writer:

Charyn Pfeuffer is a Seattle-based writer and editor with a decade’s worth of experience in publishing and media. She has written extensively on her specialist subjects, food and travel, and has been published in over 50 media outlets, including National Geographic Traveler, Fodors.com, San Francisco Chronicle and Seattle Times.

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