Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the cost? What are your hours? How do I get there?
A: Admission if free. A Discover Pass is required to park on-site. See the "Visit" page for additional information.
Q: What is there to see at the Observatory?
A: Check out the "What's Up" page for the celestial wonders that may be observed and event information.
Q: Can the telescopes see through clouds?
A: No, but informative multi-media presentations still take place during poor viewing conditions.
Q: Is the Observatory kid-friendly?
A: Children have fun at Goldendale Observatory, but adults should keep a watchful eye on young hands as there are many fragile and sensitive instruments in the facility. Additionally, young children do well during our daytime shows, but may have trouble staying awake in the evening.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Only if you are bringing more than 5 people.
Q: Does a reservation mean that no one else will be at the park during my visit?
A: No. Reservations simply provide advance notice for staff and prevent overlap with other large groups. Special Use permits are available for $200 per 4 hours during times when the facility is normally closed. Special Activities Permits are also available for extended group activities.
Q: May I bring my pet to the observatory?
A: Trained and verified service dogs only are allowed inside the observatory buildings - no exceptions. Individuals with animals indoors, off leashes, or leaving waste anywhere may be ticketed.
Q: What is the best time to visit? What about after hours?
A: It is highly recommended that visitors plan visits at the program schedule times. The facility does not remain open after hours.
Q: May I bring my own telescope or camera and set it up at the Observatory?
A: Absolutely. Please choose a location that does not interfere with visitor foot traffic.
Q: I have "purchased" and named a star - can it be viewed at the Observatory?
A: Perhaps. Services that "sell" stars are 1) completely unofficial, and 2) limited to extremely faint stars that can be very challenging and time consuming to locate even with a telescope. Individuals should wait until the end of the show to attempt these viewings. Please determine what constellation the star is in, and checking the map on the "What's Up" page to make sure that constellation is visible in the evening sky. Having a chart with the star's celestial coordinates (Right Ascension and Declination) will be very helpful.
Q: May I sleep, camp out, or hook-up an RV at the Observatory overnight?
A: No. Goldendale Observatory is not a camping park, but there is sufficient space to park an RV during regular operating hours. For camping, please consider Brooks Memorial or Maryhill State Parks, both less than 20 minutes from the Observatory North and South, respectively.
Q: Will Observatory staff discuss my religious beliefs, questions, or statements?
A: No. The Goldendale Observatory is a secular and publicly funded State Park facility. Staff are not permitted to discuss or endorse any individual's or group's faith, religious beliefs, or philosophy. Please be considerate of other visitors and staff who may hold other beliefs.
Note: Astrology, as well as ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and other mythologies may be discussed as they relate to modern and historical astronomical terms, constellations, or similar topics.
Q: What is the cost? What are your hours? How do I get there?
A: Admission if free. A Discover Pass is required to park on-site. See the "Visit" page for additional information.
Q: What is there to see at the Observatory?
A: Check out the "What's Up" page for the celestial wonders that may be observed and event information.
Q: Can the telescopes see through clouds?
A: No, but informative multi-media presentations still take place during poor viewing conditions.
Q: Is the Observatory kid-friendly?
A: Children have fun at Goldendale Observatory, but adults should keep a watchful eye on young hands as there are many fragile and sensitive instruments in the facility. Additionally, young children do well during our daytime shows, but may have trouble staying awake in the evening.
Q: Do I need a reservation?
A: Only if you are bringing more than 5 people.
Q: Does a reservation mean that no one else will be at the park during my visit?
A: No. Reservations simply provide advance notice for staff and prevent overlap with other large groups. Special Use permits are available for $200 per 4 hours during times when the facility is normally closed. Special Activities Permits are also available for extended group activities.
Q: May I bring my pet to the observatory?
A: Trained and verified service dogs only are allowed inside the observatory buildings - no exceptions. Individuals with animals indoors, off leashes, or leaving waste anywhere may be ticketed.
Q: What is the best time to visit? What about after hours?
A: It is highly recommended that visitors plan visits at the program schedule times. The facility does not remain open after hours.
Q: May I bring my own telescope or camera and set it up at the Observatory?
A: Absolutely. Please choose a location that does not interfere with visitor foot traffic.
Q: I have "purchased" and named a star - can it be viewed at the Observatory?
A: Perhaps. Services that "sell" stars are 1) completely unofficial, and 2) limited to extremely faint stars that can be very challenging and time consuming to locate even with a telescope. Individuals should wait until the end of the show to attempt these viewings. Please determine what constellation the star is in, and checking the map on the "What's Up" page to make sure that constellation is visible in the evening sky. Having a chart with the star's celestial coordinates (Right Ascension and Declination) will be very helpful.
Q: May I sleep, camp out, or hook-up an RV at the Observatory overnight?
A: No. Goldendale Observatory is not a camping park, but there is sufficient space to park an RV during regular operating hours. For camping, please consider Brooks Memorial or Maryhill State Parks, both less than 20 minutes from the Observatory North and South, respectively.
Q: Will Observatory staff discuss my religious beliefs, questions, or statements?
A: No. The Goldendale Observatory is a secular and publicly funded State Park facility. Staff are not permitted to discuss or endorse any individual's or group's faith, religious beliefs, or philosophy. Please be considerate of other visitors and staff who may hold other beliefs.
Note: Astrology, as well as ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and other mythologies may be discussed as they relate to modern and historical astronomical terms, constellations, or similar topics.
