Posted in Washington May 13, 2020 by

Washington’s Goldendale Obstervatory Is The Ultimate Stargazing Spot

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.

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The Goldendale Observatory was established in 1973 after four amateur astronomers built a 24.5-inch Cassegrain reflecting telescope for Clark College in Vancouver.
Goldendale Observatory State Park / Google
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.
Jonathan Nelson / Google
It took six years for the four who built it to complete it (plus a lot of help from Clark College students).
The telescope was formally donated after the town agreed to build a public observatory to accommodate it.
Goldendale Observatory State Park / Google
The Observatory was built over a period of several months and dedicated in October of 1973. It received its state park status in 2014.
The park encompasses five acres on a hilltop about two miles north of downtown Goldendale.
Misty G / Google
The views from the top are unreal.
The Goldendale Observatory just reopened at the end of February after completing its first major renovation.
Joe Goldberg / Flickr
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.
Aiden Berres / Google
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.
Shawn / TripAdvisor
With any luck, Washingtonians will be spending their summer nights under the stars here.

Stay up-to-date on the visiting hours and events at the Goldendale Observatory here.

Address: 1602 Observatory Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620, USA