Goldendale Observatory State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Goldendale Observatory State Park is located in the town of Goldendale, Washington.
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Summary
It is known for its impressive observatory, which is open to the public and offers spectacular views of the night sky. The park features a variety of exhibits and interactive displays, as well as a 24.5-inch reflecting telescope.
One of the main reasons to visit Goldendale Observatory State Park is to see the stars and planets in the night sky. With clear, dark skies and minimal light pollution, the observatory provides a unique opportunity to view celestial objects. Visitors can take guided tours of the observatory and participate in stargazing events.
The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for children. The nearby Maryhill Museum of Art and Stonehenge Memorial are also popular attractions.
Interesting facts about the area include that Goldendale is designated as an official "Dark Sky Community" by the International Dark-Sky Association due to its efforts to preserve the night sky for stargazers. Additionally, the observatory's 24.5-inch telescope is one of the largest public telescopes in the country.
The best time of year to visit Goldendale Observatory State Park is during the summer months, as the weather is warm and clear skies are more common. However, stargazing can be enjoyed year-round, weather permitting.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Brooks Memorial State Park
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Cliffs Park (Army Corps of Engineers)
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Cliffs Park - Columbia River Gorge
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Giles French
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Maryhill State Park
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LePage Park
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