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Olympic Telescope  Free Telescope Viewing Programs

Artwork credit:  Tyler Nordgren.  This image is available as a poster. It is sold at the ONP Visitor Center Bookstore (Port Angeles)

Note:  No reservations are needed.  The programs are free, but you must have a pass or a pay a fee to enter Olympic National Park.  Meet at the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center and look for signs showing you where to park.  Dress for cold.  Telescope programs and hikes cancel if conditions are cloudy -- you can call the Hurricane Ridge Road Hotline on the day of the program after 2 p.m. for programs status.  That number is:

                         (360) 565-3131 Extension 1.

In 2024, for the 14th summer season, I led free public astronomy programs at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, 18 miles from Port Angeles, Washington.  I hope to see you next summer!  There are dark sky programs, full moon hikes, and moon focused programs.  Objects to see at dark sky programs will include planetary nebula M57 (also known as the "Ring Nebula"), M31 (the Andromeda Galaxy)  -- and many more.

We use three Dobsonian telescopes, including Corvus an Obsession 15 inch Ultra-Compact. We also use a pair of homemade Dobsonian telescopes.  Ursa Minor  has a 12.5 inch aperture, and Draco has a 20 inch mirror.  I use TeleVue eyepieces and usually choose those that give around 115X magnification.

Last summer (2024) there were 2877 viewers at the dark sky programs with an average of 87 viewers per night. 

                          Location: 47.9693 N, 123.4988 W