Typically you want an skilled. The Seattle Astronomical Society holds common stargazing occasions the place skilled astronomers will convey large, delicate telescopes that may convey the evening sky even nearer. They’re held at Snoqualmie Level Park, Paramount Park in Shoreline, and in Duvall on a month-to-month foundation. SAS members additionally get entry to a non-public star social gathering held close to Rattlesnake Ledge in North Bend.
Throughout the state, the Goldendale Observatory State Park presents free admission to its telescope and guided talks; tickets have to be secured prematurely and there’s a price for parking. When the Perseids come to city, the observatory typically extends its opening hours to accommodate watchers, with reservations not required.
Again in Seattle, Cloud Break Optics sells telescopes and different viewing tech, although they don’t seem to be required for the easy-peasy Perseids. (Particularly given that you simply’re not prone to be specializing in the best nook of the sky when a meteor occurs to flame by.)