New York, Montana, Maine, Idaho and Oregon Are Home to Some of the Most Beautiful and Underrated Locations for Northern Lights Viewings Across U.S.

Published on November 13, 2025

New York, Montana, Maine, Idaho, and Oregon are home to some of the most beautiful and underrated locations for Northern Lights viewings across U.S. While many associate the aurora borealis with far-flung destinations like Iceland or Norway, these states offer unique and often overlooked opportunities to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon. From the remote landscapes of Idaho’s Panhandle to the rugged peaks of Montana’s Glacier National Park, these regions provide optimal conditions for catching the Northern Lights without the crowds and high costs of international travel. Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or a first-timer, these U.S. destinations deliver breathtaking views of one of nature’s most mesmerizing light shows.

Here are five lesser-known, but equally stunning, U.S. locations where you can enjoy the Northern Lights without leaving the country.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho

Idaho is often overlooked when it comes to Northern Lights sightings, but its dark skies make it an ideal location to catch the aurora. The Idaho Panhandle National Forest, in the northern part of the state, provides a serene and remote setting perfect for aurora hunters. Priest Lake, located within the forest, offers crystal-clear waters that reflect the brilliant colors of the Northern Lights, creating a stunning visual display.

The best time to visit is between September and March, especially when the moon is new, and the sky is darkest. Hill’s Resort, located along the lake, is a great spot to catch the light show. For a more elevated view, Schweitzer Mountain provides a higher vantage point. In addition, Chatcolet Lake at Heyburn State Park—Idaho’s oldest state park—is a quiet spot to view the lights under the right weather conditions. To improve your chances of seeing the aurora, check aurora forecasts like the Clear Sky Chart or the Geophysical Institute’s 27-day aurora outlook before planning your trip.

Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory, New York

While New York City may be known for its bright lights, the Adirondacks offer a much more natural light show. Located about five hours north of the city, the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory is a prime location for stargazing and, when conditions are right, viewing the Northern Lights. The Adirondack Park is an International Dark Sky location, meaning it provides some of the best conditions for stargazing in the U.S. The observatory has a roll-off-roof and telescopes for visitors to observe celestial events, and it hosts free skywatching sessions on Friday nights.

Aside from the observatory, other parts of the Adirondacks, such as Brant Lake, Upper St. Regis Lake, and Seventh Lake near Rocky Mountain Summit, offer minimal light pollution and great spots for aurora viewing. For the best chances, monitor aurora activity through resources like the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, which provides real-time forecasts for aurora visibility.

Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary, Oregon

The Oregon Outback is one of the most remote and star-filled places in the United States. In 2024, this vast 2.4-million-acre region was recognized as the world’s largest dark sky sanctuary by DarkSky International. Although it is located far from the auroral oval, strong geomagnetic storms, particularly from G3 to G5 levels, occasionally bring the Northern Lights to this area.

For the best chance to witness the aurora, head to the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood National Forest, or the Oregon Coast. These locations are known for their dark skies and high elevations, which provide optimal conditions for aurora sightings during geomagnetic storms. Be sure to check aurora prediction apps, such as SpaceWeatherLive or Aurora Alerts, for updates. Even if the Northern Lights don’t make an appearance, the starry skies of the Oregon Outback are a treat on their own.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Montana’s Glacier National Park is another great spot for Northern Lights viewing, especially between October and March, when aurora sightings are most frequent. The park’s remote location and lack of light pollution make it an ideal place to catch the aurora, particularly along the shores of Lake McDonald. The greenish hues of the lights reflected on the calm lake create a stunning photographic opportunity, especially with the rugged mountains in the background.

For additional views, head to Looking Glass Road (Highway 49), which offers several elevated spots to view the aurora. Bowman Lake, located near the Canadian border, is another fantastic location to experience the Northern Lights. You can camp here and stay up late to watch the lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., the prime time for aurora activity. For a more adventurous experience, take the 36-mile trail from Bowman Lake to Kintla Lake, where you’ll find additional viewing opportunities in an even more remote part of the park.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Maine’s Acadia National Park, known for its scenic beauty, is also a great place to view the Northern Lights, especially during geomagnetic storms. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in the park, offers unobstructed views of the northern sky, making it one of the best places to watch the aurora. However, during the winter months, access is limited to hiking, as vehicles are not allowed up the mountain.

Other spots within the park, such as Sand Beach and Jordan Pond, offer more accessible locations for aurora watching. For even darker skies, Blackwoods Campground provides an excellent spot for aurora viewing. Outside the park, Maine’s Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, as well as the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods, offer some of the darkest skies in the region, perfect for seeing the Northern Lights. August to October is the best time for sightings, particularly when the Kp index (a measure of geomagnetic activity) reaches 5 or higher.

New York, Montana, Maine, Idaho, and Oregon offer some of the most beautiful and underrated spots for Northern Lights viewings in the U.S., providing stunning opportunities to witness the aurora borealis without the crowds or high costs of international travel. These regions offer unique and breathtaking landscapes perfect for this magical light show.

These five U.S. destinations provide an excellent opportunity to experience the Northern Lights without leaving the country. Whether you’re visiting the remote wilderness of Idaho’s Panhandle, hiking to the peaks of Cadillac Mountain, or camping in Montana’s Glacier National Park, these locations offer spectacular views of one of nature’s most incredible phenomena. Check aurora forecasts, dress warmly, and get ready for an unforgettable show.