Entry No. 53 — the Seattle file — filed under: after-dark

Goldendale Observatory State Park

On a 2,100-foot hilltop north of Goldendale sits one of the largest public telescopes in the country, a 24.5-inch Newtonian reflector, inside a state park built around genuinely dark eastern-Washington skies. Free evening programs run Thursday through Sunday from 9 p.m. to midnight (spring and summer), with live views of planets, nebulae, and star clusters when it's clear, but visits are by appointment only, so reserve ahead and bring a Discover Pass for parking. Strict dark-sky lighting protects your night vision, and the unheated dome can be cold and windy even in summer.

The move: Make the long drive out of the wet west side for a clear-night evening show, reserve a free slot, and queue at the big Cassegrain for views the Seattle sky never delivers.

📍 Before you go About 3.5 hours from Seattle; free but reservations required and a Discover Pass needed to park; evening shows Thu-Sun, 9 p.m.-midnight; dress for cold/wind; views weather-permitting.

• 📍 Goldendale, WA
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale, WA 98620

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-24