Wildfire season is here, so make sure you’re in the know before you go. Before you head to a park, please check its page or head to our alert page for alerts, closures and other important information to make sure you have a fun, safe and informed trip.
No fires permitted at any time.
1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale, WA 98620
Goldendale Observatory, set in the hills above the Columbia River, houses one of the nation's largest public telescopes. Reservations are required to enter the visitor center and attend programs. See information below.
Visitors may tour the park grounds but must make an appointment to enter the visitor center and/or observatory. Unscheduled visitors and large groups will be turned away. Make reservations online with our friend's group, Friends of Gorge Area Parks. Available dates and times are automatically removed from the scheduling calendar as they become full.
On days of normal operations, the park grounds close at the same time as the visitor center. On all other days, the grounds close at sunset. Hours and showtimes are as follows:
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
Visitors may tour the park grounds but must make an appointment to enter the visitor center and/or observatory. Unscheduled visitors and large groups will be turned away. Make reservations online with our friend's group, Friends of Gorge Area Parks. Available dates and times are automatically removed from the scheduling calendar as they become full.
On days of normal operations, the park grounds close at the same time as the visitor center. On all other days, the grounds close at sunset. Hours and showtimes are as follows:
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.
