I suggest you drive a four or five foot stake into the ground equidistant from all the obstructions you describe. Tie the guage to it. This may be your best bet.

I almost agree with Bob, if you want readings that are anywhere close to accurate for your location, you want it as far from obstructions as you can get. However, you also need to worry about wind direction so you need to be slightly more concerned with obstructions to windward that will block precipitation from reaching your gauge.

Ryan

Most rain gauges in Boulder Creek will need to be emptied at least once during the day as they will be full. Make a non muddy path to the site so you can empty as needed in the rain. Al

Mud would be a LOT harder to avoid if some dear soul hadn't dumped a few tons of one inch granite rock all OVER the property. It goes from the road to the back fence line, which is mere inches from the drop down to the river... Mud I can avoid pretty easily. I think the front fence line is still my best bet. It is farther from trees and more 'open' than anywhere in the back yard, which is a bit of a pocket between the redwoods, the house next door, my oak, and other sundry obstacles.