Northern lights in the Pacific Northwest are occasional: this far south they need a geomagnetic storm of Kp 6 or more. Of the 16 locations AuroraMe tracks in the Pacific Northwest, Great Falls has the best chance; others need up to Kp 9.
Cities Covered
16
Magnetic Latitude Range
47.6°–54.7° MLAT
Required Kp Index
Kp 6.0–9.0
Unlikely
Best chance in Pacific Northwest tonight: Great Falls
AuroraMe watches Kp, clouds and darkness windows so you know when to go outside.
Kp Requirements by Location
Great Falls
54.7° MLAT
Kp 6.0+ Horizon
Kp 7.0+ Optimal
Kp 8.0+ Bright
Bellingham
54.0° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Coeur d'Alene
54.0° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Spokane
53.8° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Missoula
53.7° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Helena
53.6° MLAT
Kp 7.0+ Horizon
Kp 8.0+ Optimal
Kp 9.0+ Bright
Visible on horizon
Clearly visible
Bright overhead
Best Dark Sky Viewing Locations
Interactive map showing dark sky preserves and Bortle class sites in Pacific Northwest. Click markers for details and directions.
Bortle 1
Oregon Star Party Site
Renowned astronomy gathering site
200mi from portland50mi from bend
Ochoco National Forest roads
Aurora Status by City
Great Falls
Central Montana city on the Great Plains with wide-open aurora skies
Unlikely
Bellingham
Pacific Northwest city near Canadian border with enhanced aurora potential
Unlikely
Coeur d'Alene
Northern Idaho lake city with excellent aurora viewing conditions
Unlikely
Spokane
Inland Washington city with Great Plains aurora viewing opportunities
Unlikely
Missoula
University city in Montana's Rockies with frequent aurora displays
Unlikely
Helena
Montana capital in Rocky Mountain foothills with aurora potential
Unlikely
Billings
Montana's largest city with Great Plains aurora viewing opportunities
Unlikely
Bozeman
Montana State University city with mountain aurora photography opportunities
Unlikely
Seattle
Pacific Northwest city with occasional aurora displays during strong storms
Unlikely
Yakima
Central Washington agricultural city with clear skies for aurora photography
Unlikely
Portland
Oregon's largest city with rare but memorable northern lights events
Unlikely
Idaho Falls
Eastern Idaho city with clear high-desert skies for northern lights
Unlikely
Best Viewing Season in Pacific Northwest
Geographic Advantages
Dark Sky Sites 1 Bortle 1-3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the northern lights in Pacific Northwest?
Yes, Pacific Northwest region offers aurora viewing opportunities. Cities like Great Falls (MLAT 54.7°) can see aurora at Kp 6.0+, while southern locations need Kp 9.0+. Best viewing is September–April during dark, clear nights.
Where are the darkest skies in Pacific Northwest?
The darkest locations include Oregon Star Party Site with Bortle class 1–1. These sites offer minimal light pollution for optimal aurora photography.
Learn More About the Northern Lights
Use the aurora borealis forecast, check northern lights tonight, or open the live aurora map and Kp tracker.
