The Parks headquarters Information Center is moving from its current location in Tumwater to the Department of Ecology building at 300 Desmond Drive SE in Lacey. Our customer service team is located at the front desk, just inside the main entrance.
Burn Ban
No fires permitted at any time.
Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site
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.
Rules
- Day-Use Only
- Dogs not Allowed
- Fires not Allowed
- Horses not Allowed
Appointment required for visitor center and observatory
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.
Park and Visitor Center hours and Observatory showtimes
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:
April 1 - Sept. 30
Open: Thur. - Sun.
Solar Show: 3-5 p.m.
Evening Show: 9 p.m. - Midnight
Closed: Mon. - Wed.
Oct. 1 - March 31
Open: Fri. - Sun.
Solar Show: 2-4 p.m.
Evening Show: 7-10 p.m.
Closed: Mon. - Thurs.
Pet policy
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.
Parking
Overnight parking or camping is not allowed.
Activities
Interpretive and Visitor Centers
Amenities
Automated Pay Station
Accessible Restrooms
ADA Buildings
Restrooms
Accessible Parking
Parking
Interpretive Opportunities
Observation Deck
Park features
Mountain View
Viewpoint
Rules
- Day-Use Only
- Dogs not Allowed
- Fires not Allowed
- Horses not Allowed
Appointment required for visitor center and observatory
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.
Park and Visitor Center hours and Observatory showtimes
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:
April 1 - Sept. 30
Open: Thur. - Sun.
Solar Show: 3-5 p.m.
Evening Show: 9 p.m. - Midnight
Closed: Mon. - Wed.
Oct. 1 - March 31
Open: Fri. - Sun.
Solar Show: 2-4 p.m.
Evening Show: 7-10 p.m.
Closed: Mon. - Thurs.
Pet policy
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.
Parking
Overnight parking or camping is not allowed.
Map & visitor guide
45.83868027, -120.8151398
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).
Afternoon programming
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.
Evening programming
All questions about space can be answered by expert staff while viewing planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and other space objects.
Winter Schedule
Learn about seasonal closures and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.
Park History
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