Visit Goldendale Observatory

New Construction Closure

Goldendale Observatory State Park is undergoing the construction of a stunning new and larger facility, and the Observatory is closed for final facility upgrades. No programs are currently underway, and the facility will reopen when the final touches have been completed in 2020 - watch this space.

THE PARK IS CURRENTLY CLOSED:
A partial operating schedule has been announced for the Observatory:

Mercury Transit Weekend
Nov. 9, 10: 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
Nov. 11: 6:30-10:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Weekend
Nov. 30, Dec. 1: 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

Christmas/New Year's Weekend
Dec. 27, 28, 29: 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

Regular operation will be resumed in 2020.

For reservations or more information, contact the Observatory at (509) 773-3141.

state park site

Fall-Winter Schedule

October 1 - March 31
Friday-Saturday-Sunday 1:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Solar Show at 2:00 PM
Evening Sky Show at 6:00 PM

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.

DAYTIME PROGRAM

Understand our nearest star - the Sun!
Daytime solar observation through specialized and safely -filtered Solar Telescopes are available during the 2:00 PM Solar presentation.

Show duration one to two hours.

The Sun copyright Bob Yoesle

EVENING PROGRAM

Andromeda nebula M31 copyright Tim Wildoner

Evening presentations begin at 6:00 PM and may include viewing through the telescopes of star clusters, the moon & planets, nebulae, and galaxies, as time and weather conditions allow.

Show duration approximately two to three hours.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Please Contact the Observatory to arrange visits for groups larger than 10.
Respect fellow patrons by arriving for scheduled programs on time. Presentations and viewings will not restart nor be extended for late-comers 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 also check the Weather & Moon when making plans to visit.
DRESS WARMLY, NO MATTER THE SEASON: The telescope domes are not climate-controlled and presentations often take place outdoors. Observatory Hill can be cold and windy, even in the summer.

Admission is Free. However, a Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required to park on-site. These are available online and at all Washington State Parks, including the Observatory.

Location & Driving Directions:
1602 Observatory Drive
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 (at the 76 service station). Proceed for 1 mile into town.
At the flashing traffic signal, turn right onto N Columbus Ave. Proceed North for half mile.
Follow the Observatory sign and keep right onto Observatory Drive. The Observatory is at the top of the hill.

PLEASE STAY ON THE PAVED ROAD