Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Photo of Goldendale Observatory State Park

Park overview:

Goldendale Observatory State Park is a five-acre educational facility on a 2,100-foot-high hilltop, 1.5 miles north of Main Street in the city of Goldendale. The observatory houses one of the nation's largest public telescopes and has attracted sky-watchers since its opening in 1973. The observatory is open to anyone who wants to view the universe.

No camping available.

Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, April 17 - Sept. 30
Winter: 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, Oct. 1 to March 31

Tours are available by reservation. To make a reservation, call the park office at (509) 773-3141.

Winter Schedule for all Washington State Parks

Current alerts:

Please note: There is a permanent burn ban in effect at Goldendale Observatory State Park. No open flames of any type are allowed, no smoking. Internal RV stoves are allowed.

For information on burn bans throughout Washington state, you may visit the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Please note that individual park burn bans may differ from DNR burn bans and may change without notice. Please check current conditions upon arriving at the park.

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!

Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.