PLEASE NOTE: Goldendale Observatory State Park will soon be undergoing the construction of an almost entirely new and much larger facility. A temporarily reduced operating schedule is in place, and further disruption is possible. Please check here or call the Observatory ahead of time for details.
Spring & Summer Schedule
APRIL 1 - SEPTEMBER 30
OPEN Friday-Saturday-Sunday 1:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Solar Show at 4:00 pm Evening Sky Show at 8:30 pm |
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For the best experience and to ensure full staff availability, visiting at show times is highly recommended, and will avoid interruption of a presentation in progress.
The facility closes promptly at 11:30 PM.
The facility closes promptly at 11:30 PM.
SOLAR PROGRAM
Understand our nearest star - the Sun!
Daytime solar observation through specialized Solar Telescopes are available during the 4 pm Solar presentation.
Show duration one to two hours.
SOLAR PROGRAM
Understand our nearest star - the Sun!
Daytime solar observation through specialized Solar Telescopes are available during the 4 pm Solar presentation.
Show duration one to two hours.
EVENING SKY PROGRAM
Evening presentations begin at 8:30 pm and may include telescope views of the Moon when it is up. Star clusters, planets, nebulae, the Ring Nebula and the Hercules star cluster may be viewed as time and conditions allow.
Show duration at least two hours.
EVENING SKY PROGRAM
Evening presentations begin at 8:30 pm and may include telescope views of the Moon when it is up. Star clusters, planets, nebulae, the Ring Nebula and the Hercules star cluster may be viewed as time and conditions allow.
Show duration at least two hours.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Individual and small group drop-ins welcome at showtimes. Please contact the Observatory to arrange visits for groups larger than 10.
- Respect fellow patrons by arriving at showtimes or at least two hours before closing. Presentations and viewings will not restart nor be extended for latecomers and the facility will not remain open past closing.
- Objects viewed through facility telescopes may include those mentioned in "What's Up."
- Be sure to check the weather & moon phase when making plans to visit.
- DRESS WARMLY, NO MATTER THE SEASON: Telescope domes are not climate-controlled and presentations often take place outdoors. Hilltop can be cold and windy, even in Summer.
- Admission is Free. Washington State Parks Discover Pass required to park on-site; available online and at all WA State Parks, including the Observatory.
Location & Driving Directions
1602 Observatory Dr.
Goldendale, WA 98620 USA
Latitude: 45 degrees 50 min 20.1 sec North
Longitude: 120 degrees 48 min 49.8 sec West
Elevation: 2100 feet
1602 Observatory Dr.
Goldendale, WA 98620 USA
Latitude: 45 degrees 50 min 20.1 sec North
Longitude: 120 degrees 48 min 49.8 sec West
Elevation: 2100 feet
From US-97:
- Once within Goldendale city limits, turn onto East Broadway St / Rt 142 (Look for Dairy Queen) Proceed for 1 mile into town.
- At flashing traffic signal, turn right onto N Columbus Ave. Proceed North for half mile.
- Follow Observatory sign and keep right onto Observatory Drive. Observatory is at top of hill.