6 Best Awe-Inspiring Views to Skywatch in the Yakima Area [LIST]
Get some AMAZING views of the sky in your life! When was the last time you spent stargazing, or skywatching, as some call it? Do you know some of the best places to skywatch near Yakima? If you're up for a little drive, this road trip will definitely be worth it. Just make sure it's a clear night and that you bring some blankets, snacks, and juice boxes for the kids!
These six Washington state hidden gems were suggested in a popular local Facebook group, and I took notes so that I can visit them this spring and summer with my 10-year-old daughter, Willow! Let me know of any other skywatching spots you'd recommend we visit!
Lake Kachess in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
You can camp out at Lake Kachess, about an hour and a half drive from Yakima. To get there, take I-82 and get off at Exit 62 then drive for a few miles until you see the Kachess Lake Rd campground. If you want to visit the lake, you'll need to get one of those Discovery Passes. You can take a picnic and make it a day trip or get rustic and spend the night at the campsite. People like to hike, paddleboard, and take canoes on the lake during the day. Nighttime is the right time for gazing up at the stars!
2.
Eagle's Nest (Rimrock Resort at Rimrock, WA)
There are some breathtaking views of the night sky and the daytime scenery out in Rimrock! Just passing through the town on the way to other parts of the state makes for a peaceful and relaxing drive, so I can only imagine how lovely it must be to gather at night with friends and loved ones to skywatch! People who have stayed at the Rimrock Resort have given glowing reviews on TripAdvisor.com.
3.
Terrace Heights Ridge
You'll feel like you're on top of the world when you take a visit to one of the views of the ridge in Terrace Heights, WA. Day or night, if there is a clear sky, you're going to love skywatching over in these parts. Make a playlist and then lie down on the roof of your car like they do in the movies. (I hope your car's hood is long and wide enough for you!)
4.
Clear Lake
Pull over and bring that blanket out! Clear Lake on a clear night is like heaven! You will see what appears to be millions of stars. No camping, so don't get any funny ideas! You can at least enjoy some spectacular skywatching, though!
5.
Rimrock Lake, WA
Rimrock is chock full of fun water sport activities like fishing, canoeing, and white water rafting in some spots. Come for the fun but stay for the stars, and there's plenty of them out in their heavenly array of beauty!
6.
Table Mountain
You can hike here, and whilst you're hiking, breathe in the fresh air and rest a spell to watch the zillions of stars in the night sky! Bliss!