Goldendale Observatory State Park

Goldendale Observatory State Park is an astronomy facility in Washington with multiple telescopes for sky observation. The main instrument is a large reflector telescope housed in a dome at 2,100 feet (640 m) elevation, providing visitors with detailed views of planets and star clusters.

The observatory began in 1973 when Clark College donated its telescope to establish the facility. The state of Washington took ownership in 1980 and converted the site into a public park to serve the broader community.

The park serves as a learning hub where visitors explore the night sky through guided programs and hands-on telescope use with knowledgeable instructors. People come here to connect with astronomy and develop a personal interest in what lies beyond Earth.

Visitors need to schedule visits in advance, as the facility operates on a limited schedule throughout the year. Operations run Thursday through Sunday from April to September, then shift to Friday through Sunday from October to March.

The facility served as headquarters for the Astronomical League during the 1979 total solar eclipse, drawing crowds of sky watchers from across the region. This rare celestial event transformed the location into a gathering place for astronomy enthusiasts seeking to witness a once-in-a-generation phenomenon.

Location: Washington

Inception: 1981

Website: https://parks.wa.gov/512/Goldendale-Observatory

GPS coordinates: 45.83890,-120.81500

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41