goldendale observatory state park interpretive center

The "ranger" is a very knowledgeable astronomer. One great thing about this observatory is that you get to look through the big telescopes. The weather is usually clear in Goldendale so the night sky can be spectacular.

It's a state park with astronomically knowlegeable park rangers playing astronomers. Great big telescope, but whole array of bunch of smaller ones. Main guided sky watch, with several rangers setting up the portable one, so even kids would not lose interest. I am a repeat visitor. First time with my new wife, once about 12 years ago with my kids, and a bunch of times when i was assigned to a Boeing Wind Turbine Energy R&D program for NASA and DOE in Goldendale (where I lived). It was a great little town then, and seems to be a great little town now. There are hundreds of these large Wind Turbines all over the area. I used to have a lot of fun at the observatory then, and it's the same now (if not better) with the park rangers.

An observatory that you can see the stars, planets, sun through the telescopes with the help of the park staff that is extremely knowledgeable.

Took a friend not as versed in the skies as I am and it was amazing. I grew up close and had been a lot as a kid but not much since I've been back. The guy is so knowledgeable and passionate it makes it even more fun.

I can't think of enough superlatives to describe the visit my family had a few years ago. I'll never forget the thrill of seeing Saturn IN THE DAYLIGHT! I didn't know that was *possible*. We went back in the evening and for the first time I saw the moon through a telescope. It was so clear I could even see the lunar mountain peaks against the night sky.If you're ever in the area, don't miss this. It's worth any effort you need to make, especially if you have children.PS: I visited long before 2014 but that's the farthest back the list goes.

Whether, you're there at 2pm and catch the daytime Solar viewing, or 6pm for the Stars and Planets, you'll have a great time. We stayed an incredible 5 hrs! Forest Ranger Troy is highly knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and a gifted teacher. The history of the Goldendale Observatory is inspiring. The renovations that are now happening will only better the experience. The main telescope, itself, is quite a gift, for it's the only one its size that is designated specifically for public viewing, rather than being secluded away by private research. We saw Jupiter and its moons. You'll need a Discover Pass for the limited parking, but the presentations are complimentary. If you have a large group, calling ahead might be advantageous. It's a one man show, and Troy juggles it all. It was standing room only by the end of the evening on the Friday night we attended. They are not always open; so check times before venturing.

For me, Troy's talk made all the difference. He did an excellent job and his enthusiasm for his topic was ever-present. The telescopes were interesting to look at (more than to look through!)

My children were so impressed with this amateur made telescope and its ability to bring the stars to them. The docent was so well informed and able to speak clearly to children. We will definitely go here again when in the area.

We had the chance to visit the Goldendale Observatory on a night promising the Aurora Borealis. No luck - not dark enough ~ but we were so glad we took the time to visit and purchase a Discovery Pass. We could not believe that is the only admission needed for a place where you can experience so much.Definitely the guides love what they do and eagerly share it with others. Our main guide handled the crowd and questions extremely well. We learned so much and will remember this trip for a long time. Thank you for the experience!!!!!Treat yourself and take the time.

While camping nearby, we went to the Goldendale Observatory. First we went during the daytime, and were met by a very knowledgeable guide who obviously loves to educate! He took us to see the nighttime telescope, and we looked at some windmills in the distance. He then took us to see the telescope with which we were able to look at the sun! Fascinating. He then invited us to come back later to see Saturn, which we (and quite a few others, about 50-60 people) did. It's a treat to know this is here for the public, and we are telling all our friends about this gem in the middle of the wheat fields!

The observatory is a rare experience in out of the way Goldendale. We went there during the day which is probably not the best time to go. Still, we were able to observe the sun and learned about the sun spots, solar storms and the Northern lights. The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend going there at night when the telescope would be more useful. You do need a state parking pass which is $10 for a day or $30/ year for all state parks.

It was quite crowded when we went here (don't forget to have a Discover Pass to park here), but it was a fun and educational trip. We heard bits of the tour, which sounded entertaining and interesting, and got a chance to look in the giant telescope. They also sell cold drinks and a small number of snacks in case you need them. I was surprised you couldn't see more stars, but maybe that was the fault of the super moon.

They have a large telescope set to see the sun. You can see prominences (explained that they aren't solar flares) and sunspots. We went late in the day, but ended up staying for the 9:00pm show as the director said Saturn would be out and Jupiter too. The director is very knowledgeable and an entertaining speaker. Set up the large telescope to see Saturn, its rings and several of its moons. Absolutely spectacular! Also saw Jupiter and several stars. Walked outside periodically for a tour of the skies with a laser pointer and it really helped me see what was up there. Perhaps a new hobby! Would love to go back to see how the winter sky differs. Views were amazing. It was cloudy the next two nights, so we were lucky to go on a clear night. Inexpensive, even if you aren't a WA State Parks pass holder. Free if you are a pass holder. Can't beat that. With Columbia Hills, Horsetheif Lake/Petroglyphs, Maryhill State Park & Brooks Memorial very close, go ahead and buy the pass if you don't have one. $30 is a steal! Show good for adults and kids to a certain age. My 6 year old was sleeping in the car for the 9:00pm show, but my 9 year old was very into it!

We got lucky. We were passing through Goldendale and took our chances that we could visit this place before heading to our hotel. The night was looking cloudy, so we were the only visitors, which turned out to be great (the guide said there can sometimes be up to 60 visitors at once). The guide gave us a great overview, the clouds ended up breaking up enough to not only see a couple of planets, but deep space objects. He talked to us about some of the satellites and showed us a satellite flare. We ended up spending a couple of hours there and had an unforgettable experience. The tour guide was really knowledgeable, and he let our child move the telescope and rotate the observatory dome. Cool place to visit. This is a state park, so fees apply.

I went up on the worst possible night to go and thought it would be a waste of time however the guide/administrator took the time to go through everything with me even though I was the only one there. He suggested coming back the next day if the clouds broke and we'd be able to look at the sun. . I couldn't of course, but I'm sure it would have been worthwhile. If you want to see something other than the moon (which would be great too) check the website for moon phases and plan around the new moon. Not sure if the area is really ideal for star gazing without a scope though .. goldendale might be too bright. But what place isn't these days?