Observing - Places to observe from
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The Oregon Outback-Lake County-Dark Sky Sanctuary 
Southern Oregon Travel Guide
Mt. St. Helens Volcano
Castle Lake view point - Mile Post 40.
 
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My go to region for Astronomical Observing. This is a view from our observation point.  The above view is from our observing location.
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  Mt. St. Helens has become my/our "go to area"  for Stargazing.  It is a "short" hour and a half drive North.  The evelvation is approximately 3700 feet-not bad.  The "Spirit Lake Highway" leading to our observing sites is paved and modern.  The scenery is breathe taking.  The drive is enjoyable.  There are several locations that make good observing sites.   My favorite place is the "Castle Lake Ovelook" parking lot near Mile Post 40 (MP-40).  It is roomy and accomadating.  Elk Rock Overlook is a second choice, but can be congested because of the lot design.  It does offer a rock wall that acts as a very large observing table.  In a pinch, when forced by poor weather at the higher altitude, we have gone to the "Harry Gardener" Campground in Toutle, WA.      Freinds of Galileo (FOG)  Astronomical Society of Longview, Washington.
FOG hosts an annual Public Star Party at the (former) Coldwater Lake Visitor Center.   It is hopeful that this former visitor center will be regularly accessible for Star Party use.   It features a Cafeteria, Media Room, bunk areas and more.  There is a large parking area for RV's, Vehiclles and observing setups.  There is another area for Tent Camping.  It is more than ideal as a host building for an organized Star Party. 

Mt. St. Helens Institiute   Link		  
         
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My Favorite Public Star Parties 
Mt. St. Helens Star Party
My go to region for Astronomical Observing. This is a view from our observation point.  The above view is from our observing location.
 
New Plan for the Cold Water Ridge Look out
Mt. St. Helens Institiute 
 
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Golden State Star Party - Adin California
My RV and 14.5 inch Telescope.  (Blue cirlce)
Why is the Golden State Star Party (GSSP) my favorite public Star Party.
What I like: CLEAN-CLEANER...
The Star Party is not over programmed with all day presentations in an enclosed, hot dirty tent.
The activity tent is used for early night time Power Point Presentations-2 per evening.
During the day, the activity tent is open and breezy, and used as a shadded social center as well as a cafeteria.  
Shower Trucks included in the fee.  While my camper has a shower, I have limited water.   Happy to use the shower truck.
Internet is included in the Fee.  Who doesn't want the internet?  
The meals are top rate, provided by the hosting ranch owners.
The Adin Country Store & Cafes nearby, supplies, groceries and pizza, among other items.
The Site Location place the "Teapot" a little higher in the sky than at Mt. St. Helens.
What I don't like:  HOT.
At OSP, I like the all night Diner & Espresso and altitude.  But the dirt can be damaging to equipment.
SUGGESTIONS:
Adin Country Store could provide a mobile store for those of us that do not want to take our Motor homes out of the field.  Or a shuttle van.
ADIN SUPPLY COMPANY-another plus
Observing - Place to Observe from
 stargazingnow.comm by Greg Babcock 		 Home    Telescope    Binoculars    Gallery    Observing
  Contact Me     Greg Babcock  at: gbabcock145@gmail.com