In Washington, the Orionids are best around 5:24 AM on the night of the peak (October 21, 2026), when the radiant stands about 58° high. Under a truly dark sky you could see roughly 17 meteors per hour. Astronomical darkness runs from 7:54 PM to 5:52 AM, and the moon will be 77% lit and below the horizon at the best time.
Best time
5:24 AM
local time
Est. rate
17/h
dark sky
Radiant
58° high
toward S
Moon
77%
down
Dark places to watch the Orionids in Washington
| Location | Type | Est. Bortle |
|---|---|---|
| Crawford State Park Heritage Site | State Park | 1 |
| Box Canyon Dam Viewpoint | Scenic Viewpoint | 1 |
| Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Palouse Falls State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Alta Lake State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Conconully State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Steamboat Rock State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Bridgeport State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Pearrygin Lake State Park | State Park | 2 |
| Fields Spring State Park | State Park | 2 |
FAQ
What time should I watch the Orionids in Washington?
Around 5:24 AM local time on the peak night, but any time between dusk and dawn can produce meteors.
Where can I see the Orionids in Washington?
Dark, open places such as Crawford State Park Heritage Site, Box Canyon Dam Viewpoint, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.