10 best places to see the northern lights in the lower 48
Oregon’s Mt. Hood is an excellent location for catching the aurora borealis — Photo courtesy of Jarrod Lyman
Although the northern lights, or aurora borealis, are common in Alaska and British Columbia, they’re barely visible in the lower 48 states. However, this year, increased solar activity has caused a series of geomagnetic storms, which allows the aurora borealis to be visible in areas south of the Alaskan border.
The storms happen when the sun releases clouds of charged matter known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs, in turn, affect the Earth’s magnetic flux, resulting in an effect known as the northern lights. While not typical, the northern lights have been seen as far south as San Diego County in California.
The best places to see the northern lights are in areas with low levels of light pollution. Dark sky places are especially ideal. Download an app or follow the Space Weather Prediction Center to track sighting opportunities. Many apps show the planetary K index (Kp index), a rating system for how visible the northern lights might be. (On a scale from 0 to 9, 9 indicates the best visibility.)
Geomagnetic activity, the interaction between the sun and the Earth’s magnetosphere, follows an 11-year cycle. We’re at the peak of that rotation, so you can expect more sightings of the northern lights through 2025 and possibly into 2026.
Here are 10 of the best spots to see the aurora borealis in the lower 48.
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park offers many opportunities for aurora viewing — Photo courtesy of Alex Colon / Acadia NPS Photo
Certified as a dark sky park, Acadia National Park checks all the boxes because of its northern location, minimal light pollution, and vast, open spaces. Cadillac Mountain offers the highest elevation and presents the most sweeping views of the night sky. Note: There’s no public transportation to Cadillac Mountain, so you’ll need a vehicle to drive up the winding 3.5 miles to the peak. There are several scenic overlooks if you choose to stop along the way.
Located off Park Loop Road and about 30 minutes from the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Jordan Pond is another ideal spot to see the northern lights. Head to the southern section of the pond and face north for the best chance of a sighting. Sand Beach is another good option because of its unobstructed view of the sky. The best time to see the northern lights in Acadia National Park is in the winter between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Caswell, Maine
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful spot to view the northern lights — Photo courtesy of Paul Cyr / Maine Office of Tourism
The Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is an exceptional spot to see the aurora borealis because of its minimal light pollution and largely rural location. With approximately 300 residents in Caswell, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped to the far reaches of the Earth, but you’re just at the northeastern corner of the state, adjacent to the Canadian border.
The wildlife refuge, which covers 5,252 acres, has plenty of open fields and trails. The East Loring Trail, a 3.5-mile loop, is a vast meadow with minimal artificial light, making it a winning location for stargazing and the best place to potentially see the northern lights.
Mount Washington, Jackson, New Hampshire
The Mount Washington Observatory offers the best views of the aurora borealis — Photo courtesy of Ryan Knapp / Mount Washington Observatory
According to the Mount Washington Observatory, the best time to see the aurora borealis on Mount Washington is when the sky is dark and clear, with little to no light pollution. Another good spot is Bretton Woods, north of the observatory, or you can drive south for a little more than an hour on National Highway 16 to Fryeburg, Maine, which is largely farmland with minimal light pollution.
The best time of year to see the northern lights is around the spring and fall equinoxes. There have been sightings as early as right after sunset, but prime viewing is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Marquette, Michigan
Marquette, Michigan, is one of the best places to view the northern lights — Photo courtesy of @buckycalloway / Travel Marquette
The northern lights are prominent in Marquette, Michigan, because of its prime location — it’s one of the northernmost cities and presents visitors with an unobstructed view of the sky. Set on the south end of Lake Superior, there are many optimal places for seeing the northern lights. Presque Isle Park offers an expansive view of the lake, with low light pollution. Sugarloaf Mountain is another superb choice for catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis.
“The best chances to see the aurora are around the fall and spring equinoxes in September and March; though, visitors might also catch a glimpse during clear nights from October through February,” says Susan Estler, CEO of Travel Marquette.
Pro tip: Estler suggests looking through your smartphone’s camera if you can’t see the lights with the naked eye. To take the best photos, use a long exposure setting, hold the camera still, and avoid using a flash, she says.
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Bayfield, Wisconsin, is located at the northernmost part of the state — Photo courtesy of Travel Wisconsin
To see the northern lights in Wisconsin, your best bet is to head to the islands. Set off from the mainland at the tip of Bayfield Peninsula is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, made up of 21 islands on Lake Superior. The area’s biggest draws are its sandy beaches, sea caves, and indigenous wildlife.
Each island offers something unique. Sand Island and Outer Island boast open and clear views of the sky. If you’re staying on the mainland, your best bet is Meyers Beach, which has minimal light pollution and is easy to access.
Glacier National Park, Columbia Falls, Montana
Glacier National Park is one of the best spots to see the northern lights — Photo courtesy of Glacier Park Collection
Glacier National Park, one of the largest national parks in the U.S., offers visitors over 1 million acres of wilderness and abundant wildlife viewing. It’s also one of the best places to see the northern lights.
Head to Looking Glass Road, a secluded area with several vantage points. Lake MacDonald is another location with unhindered views and low light pollution. Going-to-the-Sun Road is the main road that cuts through the park. The 50-mile drive offers an enjoyable viewing experience if you plan accordingly and go at the right time. October through March are the best months to see the aurora borealis, with optimum views between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Yellowstone National Park, West Entrance, Montana
There are some primo spots to see the northern lights in Yellowstone National Park — Photo courtesy of Delaware North Parks & Resorts
Yellowstone National Park spans 2.2 million acres, offering many opportunities to see the northern lights in action. At the park’s western end, drive to Madison River, where you’ll have impressive northern views.
The Upper Geyser Basin and Lower Geyser Basin are two of the best spots to see the aurora borealis, especially when the Kp index is 7 or higher, so be sure to check ratings beforehand. In the winter months during a new moon is the best time to see the northern lights.
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Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary, Oregon
Northern lights can be seen across Oregon, including the Jonsrud Viewpoint in Sandy — Photo courtesy of Jarrod Lyman
Although there are many options for catching a glimpse of the northern lights in Oregon, your best bet is Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary, the world’s largest such sanctuary, spanning 2.5 million acres.
Allie Gardner of Travel Oregon says there are many great stargazing spots, such as Prineville Reservoir State Park (Oregon’s first dark sky park), Fort Rock State Natural Area, Summer Lake Hot Springs, and the Lakeview area. Make the trek yourself or join ranger-led stargazing programs.
Additional desirable spots for aurora borealis views include Mt. Hood National Forest for its elevation (11,245 feet), Pendleton for its remote location and low light pollution, and the Alvord Desert, which offers some of the darkest skies in the state.
If you’re near Portland and city lights are prominent, head to nearby Jonsrud Viewpoint Park for sweeping views of the Sandy River Valley and a glimpse of Mount Hood’s magnificence. Winter is the best time to spot the aurora borealis, typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Stanley, Idaho
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is a prime spot for seeing the northern lights — Photo courtesy of Travis Amick / Visit Idaho
This idyllic spot is one of only two international dark sky places in the entire country. Encompassing over 1,400 square miles, the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is one of the most promising spots in the Pacific Northwest for catching a glimpse of the beautiful northern lights.
“Being in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve provides incredible opportunities to see the night sky as it’s meant to be seen,” says Ray Gadd of Visit Sun Valley. “The Milky Way is so vibrant that it looks like a cloud with the naked eye. Shooting stars are regular. We’ve been fortunate to have prime views of the aurora borealis and comet C/2023 A3, or Tsuchinshan-ATLAS.”
Whidbey and Camano Islands, Washington
Whidbey and Camano Islands are two of the best spots to see the aurora borealis outside of Seattle — Photo courtesy of Jack Penland / Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands
Located in the Puget Sound just north of Seattle, Whidbey and Camano Islands are some of the best places for viewing the aurora borealis without having to drive too far from the city. The best places to view northern lights include Langley Marina and the Clinton ferry dock on Whidbey, as well as the Rocky Point community and Utsalady boat launch on Camano Island.
On the mainland, some of your best options include heading up to the Sunrise Visitor Center at Mount Rainier, which sits at 6,400 feet. You can look for the northern lights in the Sunrise parking lot or hike the Sourdough Ridge Trail, which is short and offers spectacular views when the timing is right.
Bellingham, nestled between the Salish Sea and the Cascade Mountains, also offers open-sky views for aurora-watching. Sudden Valley Marina and Boulevard Park have low light pollution, offering excellent stargazing and aurora viewing potential.
