The Goldendale Observatory Interpretive Center is located on a hilltop North of Goldendale, Washington. It is a unique facility because it caters to the general public with programs designed to educate the novice as well as the experienced star gazer. They have a number of telescopes including a 24.5 inch that is used in the evenings for public viewing sessions. The facility is run by the Washington State Parks Department. Steve Stout serves as the facility supervisor and is a very knowledgeable amateur astronomer. He gives an interesting talk before each session and keeps the public updated on the latest happenings in the cosmos.The observatory is the result of the efforts of four men, M.W. McConnell, John Marshall, Don Conner and O.W. VanderVelden who built the 24.5 inch telescope. These men offered to donate the telescope to the City of Goldendale on the condition that a building be provided to house it. Funds for the building were provided by a federal grant, and the observatory was dedicated October 13, 1973. The Goldendale Observatory Corporation, a non-profit group led by a volunteer board of directors, leased the observatory from the City of Goldendale until December 1980, when the State Parks Commission purchased the site. From January 1981 to July 1981, an interim agreement between the Commission and the corporation operated the observatory. The Commission assumed full operation on July 1, 1981.
The evening session starts at 8:00 PM and those arriving later will miss part of the interpretive program, which will not be repeated that evening. The interpretive program, along with the telescope viewing, is free to the public. You do not need to make a reservation to attend the public sessions at the observatory, but if you have a large group coming, (10 or more) it is best to call ahead.
Summer hours (April-September): The afternoon session runs Wednesday to Sunday, from 2-5pm and the evening session is from 8pm-12am.
Winter hours: Sessions are available from Friday through Sunday. Afternoon sessions run from 2-5pm and evening sessions run from 7-10pm.