This Washington Geo Dome Is Made for Stargazing

Amateur astronomers rejoice! If your idea of the perfect weekend getaway involves kicking back in utter darkness, gazing upward, and taking in the majesty of the constellation-filled skies, there are some seriously stellar places in Washington that offer prime front-row seats to the cosmos. From the glittering constellations above Methow Valley to the star-filled heavens that stretch over the San Juan Islands and beyond, our slice of the PNW offers some of the most unique stargazing opportunities in the country, and staying in one of the state's most coveted locales lets you immerse yourself even more fully in all of that celestial beauty.

Of course, we're all for the old-school methods of backyard stargazing, but in a state as beautiful as ours, there's no reason to forgo luxury while you seek darker skies and immerse yourself in the heavenly beauty. In fact, some of Washington's best stargazing Airbnbs even include window walls for cozy star-spotting from the comfort of bed, while others come with free-to-use high-tech telescopes that give you the experience of your own personal planetarium.

This year, if you're planning a unique astronomy-themed getaway (or maybe just looking for a little extra peace and quiet), it doesn't get much dreamier than the Stargazer Dome in Mineral, Washington, where the stars feel just a little bit closer, and the universe seems to unfold right before your eyes.

Just a 20-minute drive from the edge of Mount Rainier National Park, the Stargazer Dome on Wildlin Farm has one of the most magical settings in the state. The massive geodesic dome sits perched on a hill at the foot of the towering Cascades, and the surrounding 50-acre farm offers unrivaled views of Mt. Rainier without any urban development to put a damper on the experience.

Despite being so close to the city, Mt. Rainier National Park actually has some of the darkest skies in the state, especially at higher elevations, so the farm's location is absolutely surreal. Luckily for overnight guests, the geodesic Stargazer Dome was intentionally designed and placed to maximize everything the setting has to offer — especially when it comes to Washington's spectacular skies.

It all starts with the 22-foot wall of windows that look out over the valley and surrounding mountains. The panoramic views are stunning by day, but set against a backdrop of rainbow-colored galaxies and twinkling celestial bodies at night, they're particularly mesmerizing. Be sure to pack along a telescope to take full advantage of the crystal-clear nights! You'll also find a few smaller peek-a-boo windows around the dome so you can enjoy the twinkling heavens from just about anywhere, without ever leaving the comfort of your home away from home.

There's a lot to love inside and out, but it's called the Stargazer Dome for a reason. That means the real show starts when the sun starts to sink below the horizon, and what better place to enjoy it than the front deck? When darkness settles over the hills, and the area's clear skies light up with a billion stars, kicking back in an Adirondack is the perfect way to enjoy the full glory of the Milky Way stretching out across the horizon.

But those magical views even extend beyond the horizon upwards! Inside the dome, you'll find a stunning spiral staircase that leads up, up, up to the second story, where a 12-foot skylight awaits stargazers who wish to enjoy the cosmic sights in a more immersive way. The breathtaking sights can't be overhyped. This is a one-of-a-kind destination.

But don't think for one moment that this glamping dome is all about the great outdoors or is lacking in the finer things. For many, the idea of glamping brings to mind semi-primitive wood furnishings, outhouses, tented walls, and "roughing it." Fortunately, the Stargazer Dome is anything but primitive and makes for a fantastic getaway for just about anyone.

The dome features a full kitchen, luxury bathroom, and even a second-story office space, so no matter how long you stay, you won't have to sacrifice any creature comforts. The King-sized bed is as luxurious as they come and has incredible panoramic views to boot, so you can stay up late and sleep all day if that's what you choose.

Every corner of the space is beautifully furnished and perfectly sized for two guests. Even in the middle of winter, you won't have to worry about Washington's trademark temperature fluctuations — the entire space is climate-controlled, although the owners have thoughtfully included plenty of linens in case those starry nights get chilly. However, the living room fireplace is wonderfully toasty on a snowy winter day, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about warding off the chill.

While you're here, feel free to roast a few marshmallows over the fire pit or whip up a full five-course meal in the kitchen to enjoy under the stars. By day, hit up the nearby trails (like Cora Lake and High Rock, just to name a few), stroll the on-site walking trails, or enjoy some intense rounds of foosball in the shared Game Barn. As the seasons change, the rolling farmland and orchards burst into new and glorious colors, so a stay here is always a new experience.

For novice astronomers who want to take their stargazing to the next level and catch a glimpse of the heavens through some of the most powerful telescopes in the country, the Goldendale Observatory is around three hours away, while the free Jacobsen Observatory at the University of Washington Campus in the heart of Seattle is just under two. If you plan to hop your way around the state's best stargazing destinations, you'll also want to spend plenty of time in Olympic National Park.

Washington's most epic stargazing Airbnbs may come in especially handy during Dark Sky Week or the annual Perseid and Quadrantid meteor showers. Still, we say don't limit your stargazing to just a few specific days. After all, the Evergreen State is known for its stunning landscapes, but its skies? They’re in a league of their own, especially when enjoyed in tandem with the iconic backdrops we've come to know and love.

The Stargazer Dome in Mineral is a fantastic spot to enjoy solitude, natural beauty, and unspoiled dark skies that show off the universe in all its star-studded glory, no matter the time of year. We think you'll love your stay! And if you're looking for even more ways to make this getaway magical, use our itinerary planner to find nearby recommendations!