Decoding the Universe at the Goldendale Observatory

GOLDENDALE – Oct. 29, 2026 – The Goldendale Observatory will open its doors for free programming and film nights on Fridays and weekends through March.

Staff will hold Friday night movie nights with space travel or extraterrestrial themes, alternating each week with a streaming combination of NASA and NOVA documentaries. Doors open at 6:30 and films start at 7 p.m. 

On Saturdays and Sundays, State Parks interpreters from across Washington will visit the Observatory to provide special guest presentations. While some programming will cover astronomy and involve use of telescopes, visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about other topics like flora, fauna, geology and the history of the Pacific Northwest.  

The Observatory’s special programming is scheduled through Sunday, March 28 with a break Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas weekend and New Year’s Day.

State Parks was founded in 1913, making it older than the National Parks system. We offer a variety of recreation opportunities and provide stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. Our system has over 100 developed parks, 1,300 miles of trails, more than 6,000 campsites and over 2,700 facilities – including more than 800 historic buildings. Despite managing the fewest number of acres of any state-managed lands agency, we serve the most visitors. More than 40 million people visit each year, including 39 million day-use visitors and 2.3 million overnight visitors. Our statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.