Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7

Goldendale Observatory is open!

Starting July 3, 2021, the Observatory is offering free evening programming in addition to its daytime programs!

Observatory schedule:

  • Daytime: 2 – 4 p.m., Sat.- Sun.
  • Evenings: 9 p.m. to Midnight, Sat. - Sun.

You must register online to attend any of these programs. 

NOTE: 
On Aug. 13, operating hours will expand to Fri. - Sun. and drop-in visits may resume for groups of 5 or fewer. Larger groups must still register online.

_______________________________________________________________

Set in the hills above the Columbia River, Goldendale Observatory State Park houses one of the nation’s largest public telescopes. The newly-renovated facility is known for informative science programs and vivid starry skies.

By day, enjoy panoramic views of stunning scenery from all corners of the park. Within the historic observatory domes and expansive new classroom, afternoon and evening visitors can explore our sun, other stars, planets, and all the deep sky has to offer. Live telescope views are offered during all programs (weather permitting).

The Observatory is conveniently located near popular camping State Parks like Brooks Memorial, Maryhill, and Columbia Hills. Other area attractions include the Maryhill Museum of Art and WWI Stonehenge Memorial.”

Park features
Goldendale Observatory is a 5-acre facility on a hilltop 2,100 feet above sea level and 2 miles north of downtown Goldendale. The park, with its large public telescope, has attracted hundreds of thousands of sky-watchers since its dedication in 1973.

PARK WI-FI SERVICE


Link to Washington State Parks WiFi information page Opens in new window
Free, high-speed Wi-Fi access is available in limited coverage areas at Goldendale. For more information on coverage areas and hours of service and our growing list of parks with Wi-Fi service, visit our parks Wi-Fi page.

  1. Activities
  2. Camping
  3. History
  4. Maps

Interpretive opportunities

> ALERT Interpretive opportunities are open in a limited capacity. 

Under normal circumstances, the interpretive center offers afternoon observation and evening night-sky tours via one of America's largest public telescopes. Please note changes to hours of operation at the top of this page.

The afternoon programs provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the new Goldendale Observatory and take in a solar show featuring live telescope views of the Sun. Our Microsoft Bookings calendar can be used to schedule your visit. Available dates and times are automatically removed from the calendar as they become full.