We're updating our camping and moorage fees to continue providing great experiences for visitors amid inflation and rising costs. You will see a rate increase for camping stays booked for May 15 and beyond. Moorage fees will increase Jan. 1. Learn more here.
No fires permitted at any time.
The Goldendale Observatory will be closed for part of January 2025 during facility and equipment upgrades. Please consult the normal reservation calendar for available dates and times. As always, no drop-in visits, please. Campus gates will be locked during closure.
January programs will be limited to brief facility tours with no telescope viewing nor live interpretation. Normal operations resume on Saturday, February 1st 2025. All subsequent Winter 2025 solar and evening programs are now live on the reservation calendar.
1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale, WA 98620
Goldendale Observatory State Park, set in the hills above the Columbia River, houses one of the nation's largest public telescopes. Reservations are required to attend programs at this facility. See information below.
All visitors must make an appointment before visiting. Unscheduled visitors and large groups will be turned away. Available dates and times are automatically removed from the calendar as they become full. Make reservations online with our friend's group, Friends of Gorge Area Parks.
On days of normal operations, park grounds close when visiting center closes. On all other days, grounds close at sunset.
Open: Thur. - Sun.
Solar Show: 3-5 p.m.
Evening Show: 9 p.m. - Midnight
Closed: Mon. - Wed.
Open: Fri. - Sun.
Solar Show: 2-4 p.m.
Evening Show: 7-10 p.m.
Closed: Mon. - Thurs.
Per a 2019 WAC revision, animals, including pets and emotional support companions, are not permitted to enter the building. Trained service animals are permitted upon satisfactory clarification of training as per State and Federal regulations.
Overnight parking or camping is not allowed.
Interpretive and Visitor Centers
Automated Pay Station
Accessible Restrooms
ADA Buildings
Restrooms
Accessible Parking
Parking
Interpretive Opportunities
Observation Deck
Mountain View
Viewpoint
All visitors must make an appointment before visiting. Unscheduled visitors and large groups will be turned away. Available dates and times are automatically removed from the calendar as they become full. Make reservations online with our friend's group, Friends of Gorge Area Parks.
On days of normal operations, park grounds close when visiting center closes. On all other days, grounds close at sunset.
Open: Thur. - Sun.
Solar Show: 3-5 p.m.
Evening Show: 9 p.m. - Midnight
Closed: Mon. - Wed.
Open: Fri. - Sun.
Solar Show: 2-4 p.m.
Evening Show: 7-10 p.m.
Closed: Mon. - Thurs.
Per a 2019 WAC revision, animals, including pets and emotional support companions, are not permitted to enter the building. Trained service animals are permitted upon satisfactory clarification of training as per State and Federal regulations.
Overnight parking or camping is not allowed.
Goldendale Observatory 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 all the deep sky has to offer. Live telescope views are offered during all programs (weather permitting).
Visitors will learn about the surface features and inner workings of the sun and will even be able to take a glimpse using specially filtered telescopes.
All questions about space can be answered by expert staff while viewing planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and other space objects.
Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.
