Washington's Goldendale Observatory Is The Ultimate Stargazing Spot
By Jessica Wick|Published May 13, 2020
×
Jessica Wick
Author
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
Goldendale is a quiet, secluded little town that’s located about 70 miles south of Yakima near the Columbia River Gorge. In addition to thousands of acres of farms and ranches, it’s known for the amazing Goldendale Observatory, a state park and heritage site perfect for stargazing. This iconic facility has recently been renovated, and it won’t be long before it’s open to the public again.
Exploring our state is always an adventure, but there’s so much to see beyond its borders! Sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter to see must-visit destinations throughout the nation and inspire your travels, both near and far.
The Goldendale Observatory was established in 1973 after four amateur astronomers built a 24.5-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope for Clark College in Vancouver.
After the telescope was built, the team at the college decided to seek a clear, dark area to install it where there was no light pollution. Clearly, Goldendale was the perfect place.
When this telescope was built, it was one of the largest amateur-built telescopes in the world.
The telescope has been upgraded, the learning center is larger and more advanced, and seating capacity has more than tripled. There are even some new self-guided interpretive exhibits.
Whether you visit by day or by night, you'll appreciate this observatory.
They often host informative and educational events here, and of course, it's the ultimate stargazing spot. Hundreds of thousands of stargazers have gathered here since 1973, especially for major events. Guests aren't allowed to spend the night, but they're allowed to bring their own telescopes and equipment.
The Goldendale Observatory is temporarily closed due to current regulations, but it will be open as soon as it's possible.
