In 2001, Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City, and thus began the establishment of over 200 officially recognized and protected dark sky places around the globe. Over a dozen of these can be found in the western half of the U.S., with areas like Death Valley and Joshua Tree National Park in California, Big Bend National Park in Texas, and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona all earning international recognition.

Dark sky tourism has exploded in recent years, but while the Evergreen State boasts a plethora of stunning, remote landscapes that are perfect for admiring the heavens (Mount Rainier and the San Juan Islands are just a few top-tier spots), frequent cloud cover and an intense certification process have kept Washington from having an International Dark Sky Area to call its own. But just because there are no formal designations doesn't mean there aren't plenty of epic stargazing spots in Washington where you can throw up a camping chair and ogle thousands of planets, meteors, and other astro-phenomena.

Western Washington tends to beckon travelers with its diverse ecosystems, stunning parks, and gorgeous, larger-than-life natural wonders, but as a photographer, I'm always on the hunt for spots that are a little more under the radar. Pearrygin Lake is a hidden gem even to many locals, but with its pretty, park-like setting and quiet foothill surroundings, over the years, it has continued to be one of my favorite spots to escape the crowds and embrace a quieter side of the state.

Tucked into the heart of the Methow Valley in north-central Washington, Pearrygin Lake State Park is a dry, open-air pocket of high-desert terrain that feels worlds away from the rainy western side of the state. The park covers just over 1,100 acres, centered around the long, narrow Pearrygin Lake, and is enveloped by sagebrush hills and scattered pines. It’s a popular warm-season destination for swimmers, paddlers, and families, but even in the off months, the park stays remarkably quiet.

Sunsets are absolutely gorgeous here. But no matter the season, after the sun disappears below the horizon, the real show begins.

Set well away from the glow of Puget Sound city lights and perched in a naturally arid basin, the Methow Valley offers some of the darkest skies in the entire state. Tucked even further from the glow of the city, every evening, Pearrygin Lake transforms into a beautiful, pitch black haven for both novice stargazers and pro astronomers alike. From here, the Milky Way spills overhead in full detail, planets twinkle mischievously, and you can actually hear the quiet.

Methow Valley isn't an official dark sky area (yet), but it's definitely the perfect spot to experience Washington's night sky to the fullest.

The high-desert climate of this corner of Washington means clear, dry air with minimal haze most nights, so stargazers can easily enjoy sharp, vivid views of the countless stars and constellations year-round, and Pearrygin Lake is the perfect place to settle in and admire all that heavenly beauty. The park's setting within a naturally hilly alcove helps keep light pollution low, making it a prime spot for avoiding the crowds and partaking in some serious night sky watching without bumping elbows with fellow parkgoers.

On the Bortle Scale, the Methow Valley boasts 2–4 sky darkness, which is top-tier for stargazing (1 is the highest rank a place can earn). Fortunately for space aficionados who don't want to stay up all night, camping is another thing Pearrygin Lake State Park is known for, and with nearly 200 spaces to choose from, you'll have every opportunity to pitch a tent and fall asleep to a million colorful galaxies spinning overhead, beautifully reflected in the calm lake water.

As the earth makes its rounds over the course of the year, the Milky Way moves and the stars shift around the park, creating endless new viewing angles to admire, even away from the lake. The main trail here is the Rex Derr Trail , a 3.1-mile semi-loop that traces the lakeshore before climbing into the low hills. It’s a straightforward route that's easy to complete in an hour or two, but it covers a lot of ground — shoreline, open fields, and spectacular ridgeline views across the upper Methow. In spring, wildflowers blanket the hillsides, and it’s one of the best spots in the valley to catch migratory birds and raptors riding the thermals. From here, there are endless corners to craft your perfect Milky Way photo composition.

One of the coolest things about Pearrygin State Park is that it's incredibly diverse; every corner of the park offers something new in terms of terrain, so even if you're not sure where to start, it's easy to find the perfect stargazing spot. Just stand still and look up! You'll also find local stargazing events hosted here and all around the valley by the Methow Dark Sky Coalition , a local non-profit working to protect the area's growing dark sky reputation.

After you've enjoyed a weekend camping at Pearrygin Lake, check out the nearby quirky small towns of Winthrop and Wenatchee for even more scenic sights, trails, and tasty eats . Or, head north to the Cascades for jaw-dropping mountainscapes and endless recreation opportunities.

National parks tend to attract larger crowds, but they aren’t the only places to catch a glimpse of the cosmos in high-res color. Washington's endless natural beauty at eye level is just the start of everything the state has to offer! A few more of my favorite places to stargaze around the state include Olympic National Park and Palouse Falls State Park , but you'd be hard-pressed to find any bad angles in Washington when it comes to admiring the heavens.