Klickitat County, Washington · Columbia River Gorge
Goldendale
Perched at 1,634 feet on the Columbia Plateau, Goldendale holds one of the nation's largest public telescopes, 87 Rodin sculptures on a river-bluff museum, and a full-scale Stonehenge replica built as the nation's first World War I memorial. Two hours from Portland and worth the drive.
POPULATION
3,453
FOUNDED
1879
FROM PORTLAND
~2 hrs via US-97
FROM SEATTLE
~3.5 hrs
COUNTY
Klickitat (county seat)
ELEVATION
1,634 ft
Goldendale sits at 1,634 feet on the Columbia Plateau, the county seat of Klickitat County and a two-hour drive from Portland via I-84 and US-97. At that elevation above the Gorge, the town has something most Columbia River communities do not: dark skies good enough for a silver designation from the International Dark Sky Association.
The Goldendale Observatory State Park holds one of the largest public telescopes in the country — a 24.5-inch reflector at 2,100 feet elevation. All visits are by reservation only; solar programs run Friday through Sunday afternoons, night programs Thursday through Sunday starting after dark. No walk-ins. Book at goldendaleobservatory.com before you arrive.
Twelve miles south, on a bluff above the Columbia River, Maryhill Museum of Art houses 87 works by Auguste Rodin alongside Native American art, European paintings, and a Théâtre de la Mode fashion exhibit. The grounds look directly across the river to the Oregon hills. Adjacent to the museum, the full-scale Stonehenge replica was completed in 1930 as the nation’s first World War I memorial — built by Sam Hill, who also built the Maryhill Museum and the road that became US-97.
The Columbia Valley AVA puts Goldendale inside Washington’s wine country, with Maryhill Winery on the river and several smaller estate producers within a short drive. The Klickitat Trail, a 31-mile rail-to-trail conversion along the Klickitat River canyon, adds hiking and mountain biking to a town that already has more to offer per square mile than most of rural Washington.
Getting Here
From Portland, take I-84 East to Exit 87 (Biggs Junction) in Oregon, then US-97 North approximately 12 miles into Goldendale. Total drive: approximately 115 miles, about 2 hours in normal traffic. Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge are visible off US-97 before you reach downtown Goldendale. From Seattle, take I-90 East to SR-821 or US-97 South for approximately 211 miles; allow 3.5 hours. There is no bus or rail service to Goldendale. A Washington State Discover Pass ($10 day, $45 year) is required for parking at the observatory and state parks.
Things to Do
Outdoors
Goldendale Observatory State Park
One of the nation's largest public telescopes — a 24.5-inch reflector at 2,100 feet elevation with an International Dark Sky Association silver designation. All visits are appointment-only via goldendaleobservatory.com. Solar programs run Friday through Sunday afternoons; night sky programs Thursday through Sunday from 9 PM to midnight. Free admission; Washington Discover Pass required for parking.
Arts
Maryhill Museum of Art
Eighty-seven works by Auguste Rodin, Native American artifacts, European paintings, and a Théâtre de la Mode fashion exhibit in a mansion on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. Open daily March 15 through November 15, 10 AM to 5 PM. Adults $23. A genuine art destination, not a roadside attraction.
History
Maryhill Stonehenge
A full-scale concrete replica of Stonehenge completed in 1930 as the nation's first World War I memorial, dedicated to Klickitat County soldiers killed in the war. Built by road builder and philanthropist Sam Hill, the stones are aligned to the sun. Adjacent to Maryhill Museum, approximately 12 miles south of Goldendale on US-97. See the <a href="https://explorewashingtonstate.com/explore-full-sized-stonehenge-maryhill-museum/">full EWS guide to Maryhill Stonehenge and the Museum</a> for details.
History
Columbia Hills Historical State Park
Home to the most celebrated petroglyph in the Pacific Northwest: Tsagaglalal (She Who Watches), a 350-year-old basalt carving. Guided tours of the petroglyphs run Friday and Saturday mornings April through October, limited to 20 people per session — reserve at parks.wa.gov. The self-guided interpretive trail is open April through October without reservation. About 20 miles from Goldendale via US-97 and WA-14.
Wine
Maryhill Winery
One of Washington's largest wineries, producing about 80,000 cases annually from Columbia Valley grapes. The tasting room and bistro on WA-14 overlook the Columbia River. Open Tuesday through Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM. The 2014 San Francisco International Wine Competition named it Winery of the Year.
Wine
Waving Tree Winery and Vineyard
A small family-owned estate winery at 123 Maryhill Hwy with 12 estate varietals including Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Grenache. Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM with a $5 tasting fee and walk-ins welcome. A good contrast to the scale of Maryhill Winery.
Culture
Presby Mansion and Historical Museum
An 1902 Klickitat County mansion at 440 E 8th Street with three floors of period artifacts from 1880 to 1930, including pioneer household items and Klickitat County history. Open May 1 through October 15, Tuesday through Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM. Off-season visits by appointment.
Outdoors
Klickitat Trail
Approximately 31 miles of rail-to-trail running along the Klickitat River canyon from Lyle to Goldendale, popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and anglers. The Klickitat River runs alongside for much of the route. [VERIFY current accessible trail sections and any seasonal closures before visiting]
“The Goldendale Observatory sits at 2,100 feet, holds a 24.5-inch telescope open to the public, and has an International Dark Sky Association silver designation. It is one of the best places in Washington to see the Milky Way.”
Explore Washington State
Where to Stay
Quality Inn and Suites Goldendale
A chain property near the Goldendale Observatory with a grab-and-go breakfast and standard amenities. The most full-service lodging option in Goldendale proper.
Check availabilityPonderosa Motel
An independent motel at 775 E Broadway at the foothills of the Simcoe Mountains, close to the Columbia River Gorge and Maryhill Winery. Rooms include WiFi, microwave, and fridge.
Visit websiteMaryhill State Park Campground
Camping on the Columbia River approximately 12 miles south of Goldendale at 3500 WA-14, with tent and RV sites. A strong option if you plan a Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge day.
Reserve at GoingToCampFind a Cabin Near Goldendale
Find a Cabin Near Goldendale
Food & Drink
Maryhill Winery Bistro (9774 WA-14, on the Columbia River) is the standout dining option in the Goldendale area — a full bistro with wine pairings and Gorge views, open Tuesday through Sunday with last food order at 5:15 PM. Town House Cafe downtown is Chehalis’s home-style family diner with local ownership and a loyal following. D’Avanzo’s is a small Italian wine bar and sandwich shop downtown with homemade food and an intimate atmosphere. Gee’s Family Restaurant offers Chinese food with a generous portions reputation. [VERIFY current hours for all local restaurants before visiting — Goldendale’s small-town dining scene changes.]
Festivals & Events
June
Goldendale Pickers Festival
A multi-day acoustic music festival in Goldendale. [VERIFY 2026 dates and recurring status — reported as June 4 to 7, 2026]
July
Goldendale Community Days
The annual summer celebration marking 100 years in 2026, with a car show, parade, beer garden, live music, and a downtown scavenger hunt. Scheduled July 10 to 11, 2026. Free admission.
October
Klickitat County Harvest Festival
A fall harvest festival in the Columbia River Gorge wine country. [VERIFY 2026 date and recurring status — reported as October 17, 2026]
Day Trips
The Dalles, Oregon is 33 miles southwest on US-97 and I-84, about 40 minutes, with the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum, historic Fort Dalles Museum, and wine tasting. White Salmon, Washington is 47 miles west on WA-14, about 53 minutes, with White Salmon River rafting, Everybody’s Brewing, and the Hood River bridge crossing. Hood River, Oregon is approximately 55 miles west on I-84, about 1 hour, with an extensive restaurant scene, the Hood River Fruit Loop, and windsurfing on the Columbia.
Planning Your Visit
Goldendale works best as an overnight or a purposeful day trip rather than a quick stop. The observatory requires reservations; the night program (9 PM to midnight) is the main draw and requires arriving in daylight to orient. Maryhill Museum closes for winter (open March 15 through November 15 only, daily 10 AM to 5 PM; adults $23). Wine tasting at Maryhill Winery is Tuesdays through Sundays. The Klickitat Trail and Columbia Hills State Park (She Who Watches petroglyphs) are accessible spring through fall with day-use passes. Summer is the prime season; late September through October is the best combination of dark-sky season and pleasant weather.
More Goldendale on EWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Goldendale, Washington known for?
Goldendale is known for three things above all: the Goldendale Observatory State Park (one of the nation’s largest public telescopes, with certified dark skies), the Maryhill Museum of Art (87 Rodin sculptures on a Columbia River bluff), and the Maryhill Stonehenge (the nation’s first World War I memorial, a full-scale concrete replica built in 1930). It is also the county seat of Klickitat County and sits at the edge of Washington’s Columbia Valley wine country.
Is the Goldendale Observatory free?
Yes, admission to Goldendale Observatory State Park is free. However, all visits are appointment-only — there are no walk-in visits. A Washington State Discover Pass ($10 per day or $45 per year) is required for parking. Reserve your visit at goldendaleobservatory.com before arriving.
Do I need a reservation for the Goldendale Observatory?
Yes. All visits to the Goldendale Observatory are by appointment only. The observatory does not accept walk-ins. Solar programs run Friday through Sunday afternoons; night programs run Thursday through Sunday from 9 PM to midnight. Book at goldendaleobservatory.com well in advance, especially in summer.
How far is Goldendale from Portland?
Goldendale is approximately 115 miles from Portland, about 2 hours via I-84 East to Biggs Junction and then US-97 North. The Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge are visible from US-97 before you reach downtown Goldendale.
What is Maryhill Stonehenge?
The Maryhill Stonehenge is a full-scale concrete replica of Stonehenge built between 1918 and 1930 by road builder Sam Hill as the nation’s first World War I memorial, dedicated to the Klickitat County soldiers who died in the war. The stones are aligned to the sun like their English counterpart. It stands adjacent to Maryhill Museum of Art on WA-14, approximately 12 miles south of Goldendale.
When is the best time to visit Goldendale?
Summer (June through September) is the easiest season — long days, warm weather, and the full calendar of winery events and observatory programs. Late September through October adds the benefit of longer dark nights for stargazing before the observatory closes for the season. Maryhill Museum is open March 15 through November 15 only; plan visits within that window.