10 replies to this topic

[DLuders]

As stated on this Facebook page, the Washington State Star Party will be returning to Jameson Lake, WA on Tues.-Sun., July 22-27, 2025.  "We have official dates for the Washington State Star Party of 2025! Mark your calendars for July 22-27th, 2025 at Jameson Lake!  Registration will begin in April or May 2025."

 

Note that this used to be known as the Table Mountain Star Party, but has evolved and moved several times over the years.  Jameson Lake is northwest of Coulee City, in a canyon.  Since this is a State Park, a Discover Pass is required.  See the WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife webpage to see a location map.  It has boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.  

 

The 2024 WSSP was a success; see this previous Cloudy Nights topic about it.  

 

 

 

[vsteblina]

As stated on this Facebook page, the Washington State Star Party will be returning to Jameson Lake, WA on Tues.-Sun., July 22-27, 2025.  "We have official dates for the Washington State Star Party of 2025! Mark your calendars for July 22-27th, 2025 at Jameson Lake!  Registration will begin in April or May 2025."

 

Note that this used to be known as the Table Mountain Star Party, but has evolved and moved several times over the years.  Jameson Lake is northwest of Coulee City, in a canyon.  Since this is a State Park, a Discover Pass is required.  See the WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife webpage to see a location map.  It has boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities.  

 

The 2024 WSSP was a success; see this previous Cloudy Nights topic about it.  

 

Just one correction.

 

Jameson Lake is NOT state park. 

 

It is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife so a Fish and Wildlife pass works there as well as the Discover Pass.  The Fish and Wildlife pass is free with any Washington state fishing and hunting license or can be purchased separately for half the price of a State Park Discover pass. 

 

If your over 70 and want to save money, buy a Senior fishing license for $7.50 and you can a free Fish and Wildlife Pass.

[DLuders]

OK, you're correct -- here is the Jameson Lake Site Information webpage that talks about that and the other characteristics of the WSSP location.

[bignick243]

Last year was pretty fun with the exception of the heat it's a pretty good place. I can't wait. Hopefully we get buzzed by more fighter jets again during the day.

[GrnXnham]

We are looking forward to this again in 2025!

 

We really liked this new location!

[marcweeks]

I attended last year for a few days, but the prospect of another hotter day ultimately withered my resolve. (Full disclosure: I was already a bit cranky, having left my phone and Doogee tablet at home which prevented me from running my Seestar. Fortunately, I also had a 10-inch Dob.) My original plan was to drive my Corolla there with my scope and tent in the trunk, but I changed my mind and bought a Jeep and a pop-up trailer just for the occasion (and future ones). I was able to keep the daylight sun out mostly, and often a very nice and strong afternoon breeze helped cool things a bit. Bugs--no mosquitoes--flew around at early evening but were not a problem later. 

 

I did meet several very nice people, one of whom even shared food and his small, air-conditioned enclosure connected to his small trailer. There was a food truck that served, among other things, the best chicken tacos I've had in a while. I almost look forward to having them again.

 

Funny story: When I arrived near the location, near the resort, I saw No Trespassing and Keep Out signs and thought I'd missed a turn. I turned around and drove back a way and saw a sign that read Jameson Lake. I began driving on a very rocky road when I came to the conclusion that this would lead me nowhere. I returned to the resort so I could ask someone there for directions. A gentleman was parked in the lot and when I approached him, he asked if I was there for the star party. He said to drive past the aforementioned signs and I would eventually arrive at the location. It would've been nice if they had had proper signage for the event; perhaps they did later.

[JohnH]

I attended the table mountain when it was held near Ellensburg and later at Eden ranch.

I did miss the new location last year but I plan to attend this year as I'm moving closer up in Oliver just north of the Border

I will also be able to attend the Mt. Kobau event as it's just about a 40-minute drive from where I'm going to live. Hopefully by the time this kicks around I'll have my workshop and Optics area fully set up

[enjoirekk]

I'll plan on coming!! I'm in Bend, OR and will make the trip up. Psyched! Summer can't come soon enough. 

[Waynosworld]

I had no idea this star party existed, this area is my old stomping grounds for Hanggliding in the 90s.

 

I have never been to a star party, I started this hobby in late 2020, I plan to attend this one.

[DLuders]

According to the official webpage, registration for the Washington State Star Party 2025 will open on May 1, 2025.

 

From their "Rules and Regulations" webpage: 

 

Official operations start at 9 A.M. on Tuesday, July 22nd [2025]....The event officially ends on Sunday, July 27th [2025].

 

Discover Pass is REQUIRED

A Washington Discover Pass is required to attend the event due to the property being under the administration of the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WaDFW). Your registration does NOT remove the requirement that you have a Discover Pass for your vehicle(s). We will NOT be able to issue Discover Passes onsite nor does WaDFW offer any capacity to issue onsite Discover Passes. An annual Discover Pass can be purchased through the Discover Pass website for $35, good for one year from the date of issue, or you can purchase one when you renew your vehicle registration with the Department of Licensing. There are also certain Washington fishing and hunting licenses that grant Discover Pass privileges, please check if this applies if you hold one of those licenses.

 

That WaDFW webpage says:

 

Vehicle Access Pass for license holders

A Discover Pass is not always needed to access WDFW-managed lands. A Vehicle Access Pass is issued at no charge by WDFW with the purchase of any annual hunting, trapping, or fishing license, excluding an annual razor clam or shellfish/seaweed license. A Vehicle Access Pass allows you to park at WDFW wildlife and water access areas. A Vehicle Access Pass is transferable between two vehicles.

[vsteblina]

If you don't want to wait until the Star Party in late July.

 

The gate to the boat parking area will be open for the Lowland Trout Season on Saturday, April 26th.

 

There will be people there on the opener fishing since it is a good fishing lake.  Fishing use drops off fairly quickly after opener.

 

I usually fish the lake a couple of times in the spring.  I might even take my telescope with me this spring.