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Glodendale, Washington: Where Boredom Goes to Die – Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

The observatory is the reason you come to Goldendale, and it is worth it. One of the largest public telescopes in the country sits right here. The Maryhill museum and the Stonehenge replica are what fill the daylight hours. The town itself holds around 3,000 people and not a great deal else. Come for a clear night and let the rest of it arrange itself.

You may not have heard of Goldendale, Washington, and this small town runs more than its size suggests. Whether you follow nature, follow art or read history, Goldendale has a version of it. With a population of just over 3,000, this is where you go to get away from the traffic and hear something other than engines.

If eating well matters to you, the cooking in Goldendale will hold up. From farm-to-table restaurants to small cafes, something here will suit. And if you want to be outdoors, Goldendale has the ground for it. Walk in the mountains nearby, fish the Columbia River, or work through the local parks and nature reserves.

No trip to Goldendale is finished without the Goldendale Observatory State Park. This park holds one of the largest public telescopes in the world, which makes it where you go to look at the sky and understand what you are looking at. And if you read history, do not miss the Maryhill Museum of Art, which runs a serious collection of art and artifacts from around the world.

Key Takeaways

• Goldendale, Washington is a small town with plenty of unique things to do.
• You can enjoy farm-to-table restaurants, outdoor activities, and local parks and nature reserves in Goldendale.
• Don’t miss the Goldendale Observatory State Park and the Maryhill Museum of Art for a truly unforgettable experience.

A Bite of Goldendale

On food, Goldendale delivers. From classic American diners to farm-to-table restaurants, something here will land. Here are the places to eat in Goldendale:

Savor the Local Cuisine

Goldendale is known for its own cooking, built on fresh ingredients from the ground around it. If you want that, take one of these restaurants:

• The Glass Onion: This farm-to-table restaurant serves up delicious dishes made with ingredients sourced from local farms. The menu changes regularly based on what’s in season, but you can always expect fresh, flavorful food.
• The Feed Store: This casual eatery serves up classic American fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
• The Simcoe Cafe: This cozy cafe serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The menu includes everything from omelets and pancakes to burgers and sandwiches.

Fruitful Harvest: Peaches and More

Goldendale sits in the middle of Washington’s fruit country, which means the produce here is the reason to stop. If you eat peaches, cherries or anything else that grows on a tree, take these places:

• Gunkel Orchards: This family-owned orchard has been in business for over 100 years, and they know a thing or two about growing fruit. They offer a wide variety of fruits, including peaches, cherries, and apples.
• The Fruit Stand at Maryhill: Located near the Maryhill Museum of Art, this fruit stand offers a variety of fresh produce, including peaches, cherries, and apricots. They also sell homemade jams and other goodies.
• Packer Orchards: This orchard has been in business since 1924, and they offer a wide variety of fruits, including peaches, cherries, and pears. They also have a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and other goodies.

Whether you want something quick or a long meal, Goldendale has the options. So go ahead and eat what this place grows and cooks.

Artistic Goldendale

Do you follow art? Goldendale runs more than a town this size should. From world-known sculpture to local galleries, there is plenty here to work through.

Maryhill Museum of Art

The first stop on any art tour of Goldendale is the Maryhill Museum of Art. This museum holds a serious collection, work by Auguste Rodin among it. The museum also runs a sculpture garden looking straight out over the Columbia River Gorge.

Take the museum’s permanent collection, which runs from European paintings through to Native American baskets. And take a photograph with the giant chess set outside while you are there.

Local Art Galleries

Goldendale also runs several local art galleries showing work by artists from this area. Take the Golden Art Gallery for the range, which covers painting, pottery and jewelry.

For something you will not see elsewhere, head to the Glass Onion Studio, where you can stand and watch glassblowers work. And if you want to carry a piece of Goldendale home, stop at the Artisan’s Jewelry and Gallery for handmade jewelry and crafts.

Whether you follow art seriously or you just like standing in front of a good painting, Goldendale has it. So take the camera and go and look.

Outdoor Escapades

Looking for time outdoors? You’ve come to the right place. Glodendale, Washington runs plenty for anybody who would rather be outside. Here are the outdoor options to take in Glodendale.

Cascade Mountain Hiking

If you want something hard, take hiking in the Cascade Mountains. With the country opening up and trails that ask something of you, this is the one for anybody who wants to work. Pack water and food, and wear shoes that fit. And keep an eye out for wildlife, because you never know what will be on the trail with you.

Columbia River Gorge Boating

Want something slower? Take a boat tour of the Columbia River Gorge. With the country on both sides and calm water underneath, this is how you stop for an afternoon. And you may well catch a fish while you are out there. Take sunscreen and a hat, because water reflects everything.

Methow Trails Biking

If you ride, the Methow Trails are the ones to take. With over 120 miles of trail, you will not run out of ground. Starting out or riding seriously, there is a route pitched at you either way. And with the Methow Valley opening up around you, bring the camera.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and take the outdoor half of Glodendale. Whether that is hiking in the Cascade Mountains, boating on the Columbia River Gorge or riding the Methow Trails, the day will land.

Stargazing at Goldendale Observatory

Looking for something in Goldendale that teaches you as much as it entertains? Take the Goldendale Observatory State Park. This park holds one of the largest public telescopes in the nation, which makes it the place to look at the sky properly.

When you get there, take the science programs the observatory runs. You get the stars and planets in our galaxy along with the story of space travel and exploration. And with luck you will catch the International Space Station going over.

Once you have had enough of the indoor half, step outside and take the country. The park opens out over the surrounding hills and the Columbia River. It is where you stop and let the Pacific Northwest do the work.

But the reason to come is the stargazing. The observatory’s telescope reaches distant galaxies and nebulae, which puts the scale of everything in front of you at once. And on a clear night the sky fills up, which is not something you forget.

So take some friends or the family, pack a picnic and get up to the Goldendale Observatory State Park for a night under it. You never know what you will end up looking at.

Where to Stay

On somewhere to sleep in Goldendale, you have a few options. Whether you want a hotel with some character or you would rather be under canvas, both are here.

Hotels with Personality

If you want a hotel with character, you’re in luck. Goldendale runs a couple of places that stay with you afterwards.

One is the Ponderosa Motel, which has been going since the 1950s. It is a classic motel with the period feel intact and comfortable rooms. Plus it sits in the middle of downtown Goldendale, so everything is on foot from the door.

The other is the Golden Pine RV Park and Campground. It is an RV park on paper, and they also rent cabins. The cabins are small and comfortable, with a kitchenette and private bathroom. Plus the RV park runs a pool, a hot tub and open ground to sit in.

Camping in the Wild

If you would rather be outdoors, camping is the better answer. Goldendale runs camping options that put you properly into the country.

One is the Brooks Memorial State Park, which covers over 700 acres of forest. There are plenty of campsites, and the park runs hiking trails and country worth walking. Plus it sits on the banks of the Klickitat River, so the fishing and the swimming are at the door.

The other is the Maryhill State Park, on the banks of the Columbia River. The park runs over 4,700 feet of waterfront, which is more river than you can use. There are plenty of campsites, along with hiking trails and picnic areas.

Wherever you sleep in Goldendale, the stay will hold up. Whether that is a comfortable hotel or a campsite in the trees, both work. So pack the bags and get up here.

Historical Highlights

Goldendale is a city with a history running back over a century. Here are the historical parts you should take while you are here.

Architecture of Goldendale

Goldendale’s architecture runs a mix of styles that rewards a slow walk. From Victorian to Art Deco, it is all standing on the same streets. Walk down Broadway Street and take the buildings along it. The Goldendale Observatory is the one to take if astronomy is your subject, and the building itself is Art Deco worth the look.

Klickitat County Seat History

Did you know Goldendale is the county seat of Klickitat County? All the county business happens right here. The county courthouse is a building worth the detour on its own. And take the Klickitat County Historical Society Museum for the rest of the county’s history.

Goldendale carries a history worth working through. From the architecture to its standing as the Klickitat County seat, there is plenty here. So take a walk back through it while you are in town.

Goldendale beats the coast for stargazing because the air out here is dry. Semi-arid means the clear nights that Seattle and Portland simply never get. The trade is summer heat and 32 inches of snow through the winter. The museum here holds Rodin, which no town this size has any right to. Take Goldendale over anywhere wetter if the night sky is the actual point.

Community and Education

Goldendale is a small town with a close community that takes education seriously and looks after its older people. Here is what to know about community and education in Goldendale.

Goldendale Schools

Goldendale School District runs the education for the town’s children. The district holds four schools: Goldendale Primary School, Goldendale Middle School, Goldendale High School and Goldendale HomeLink. Goldendale High School runs a graduation rate of 85%, above the state average of 79%. The district runs Advanced Placement courses, vocational education and special education.

If you are a parent, your child will be taught properly in Goldendale. If you are a student, you get a school that backs you and keeps you interested.

Elderly Care in Goldendale

Goldendale looks after its older residents. There are several options for elderly care here, including assisted living facilities, adult family homes and in-home care services.

One of the assisted living facilities in Goldendale is the Golden Years Adult Family Home. This one runs 24-hour care with help for daily living, bathing, dressing and medication management among it. The staff at Golden Years Adult Family Home work to keep the place safe and comfortable for the people living in it.

If you are older, or somebody you love is, Goldendale has proper options for care.

Goldendale Weather and Climate

You may be wondering what the weather is like in Goldendale, Washington. Well, it is not tropical. It is close to the opposite of tropical. Goldendale runs a semi-arid climate, which means dry and hot in summer and cold and snowy in winter.

Through the summer, expect temperatures around the mid-80s. Do not let the number fool you, because it gets seriously hot. Pack sunscreen and a hat if you plan on being outside. And drink water constantly, because dehydration out here is not a joke.

Now the winter. If you come from somewhere that does not get snow, this will be a surprise. Goldendale gets an average of 32 inches a year, so bring warm boots and a proper coat. And if you have not driven on snow before, take the roads carefully.

It is not all bad news. Goldendale runs a great many sunny days across the year, so you will get outside plenty. Just check the forecast before you plan anything around the weather.

In summary, Goldendale weather comes down to two words: unpredictable and extreme. That does not stop the trip working. Just come ready for whatever Mother Nature sends.

Safety in Goldendale

On safety in Goldendale, there is good news and bad. The good news is that this small town is quiet and safe. The bad news is that crime happens anywhere, however quiet the place looks. So take the usual precautions while you are here.

First off, let’s talk about crime. According to TripAdvisor, Goldendale has a low crime rate compared to other cities in Washington. However, that doesn’t mean you should be complacent. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close.

Traveling alone, avoid walking around after dark. Stay on lit streets, and if you do walk alone at night, tell somebody where you are going and when you will be back. Better still, take somebody with you.

The other thing to plan for is the weather. Goldendale runs hot in summer, so drink water and wear sunscreen. In winter it runs cold, so dress for it and take the icy roads slowly.

Last, if you are heading outdoors, check the forecast and the trail conditions first. Take enough water and food, and tell somebody where you are going and when you will be back.

Overall, Goldendale is a safe and friendly town, and being ready costs you nothing. So keep these in mind and use your time in this part of Washington.

Goldendale Through the Lens

You’ve arrived in Goldendale, Washington, and you want things to do and places to see. You’re in luck, because Goldendale runs plenty, and it photographs better than most towns this size.

First, head over to the Maryhill Museum of Art. You get the artwork, and you get the Columbia River Gorge behind it. And take a photograph of the replica Stonehenge monument nearby while you are out there.

Next, make for the Goldendale Observatory State Park. You can photograph the night sky through their telescopes, which is not something most places offer. And you never know what will pass overhead, UFO or otherwise.

If you want the historical version, take the Presby Museum. You can tour the house and photograph the antique furnishings and the rooms as they were kept.

For the outdoor version and the country with it, head to Maryhill State Park. You can photograph the Columbia River and the hills standing over it. Plus, with luck, you will see deer and bald eagles out there.

Last, take the Stonehenge Memorial. You can photograph the monument and the country around it, and it is one of the better places here to watch the light go.

So take the camera and go and get something worth keeping in Goldendale, Washington.

Beyond Goldendale

You’ve worked through Goldendale, and now it is time to see what else the Pacific Northwest runs. You’re in luck, because Goldendale sits within reach of some of the best-known destinations in Washington State.

Exploring the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is known for its country, its small towns and the outdoor time in between. The one to take is Olympic National Park, which holds rainforest, hard coastline and snow on the peaks. Walk the Hoh Rainforest, take the beaches at Kalaloch, or drive Hurricane Ridge.

If you want a city instead, head to Seattle or Portland. Seattle runs on coffee, music and landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Portland is the food carts, the craft beer and neighborhoods like Hawthorne and Alberta.

Day Trips to Seattle and Portland

Seattle and Portland both sit within driving distance of Goldendale, which makes either a day trip. In Seattle, start at the Space Needle, then take Pike Place Market for the seafood and the artisan shops. If you follow music, do not miss the Experience Music Project Museum, which runs exhibits on rock and roll, pop culture and science fiction.

In Portland, start at Powell’s City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world. Then take the Pearl District for the galleries and the boutiques. And work through the food carts, which run everything from tacos to Thai.

Wherever you point the car, the Pacific Northwest covers it. So pack the bags, get on the road and see what turns up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to spot reindeer in Goldendale?

First, you have to know where to look. The Goldendale Observatory State Park is where you start. You get the stars, and you get the Goldendale Reindeer up close as well. Be warned that they are hard to walk away from.

Can you recommend any out-of-this-world experiences at the Goldendale Observatory?

Absolutely. The observatory runs programs and events through the year. From stargazing parties to astronomy lectures, something is always on. And if you want the full version, book a private viewing session and have the telescope to yourself.

Where can I find the best Italian food in Goldendale?

You may be surprised to find a serious Italian restaurant in Goldendale. Head to the Glass Onion for the pasta and the homemade pizza. And leave room, because the tiramisu is the reason people go back.

What are some quirky attractions to check out in Goldendale?

If you want something off the usual list, take the Maryhill Museum of Art. It runs a serious international collection, and it also holds a full-size replica of Stonehenge. Yes, Stonehenge. In Washington.

What’s the story behind the Ponderosa Motel in Goldendale?

The Ponderosa Motel. It has been standing in Goldendale for decades, and there is a reason for that. The story goes that the motel was built to house the cast and crew of the TV show “Bonanza” while they were filming nearby. True or not, the Ponderosa Motel is a comfortable place to sleep while you work through Goldendale.

Frequently asked questions about Goldendale, Washington

Is the Goldendale Observatory State Park worth a whole evening?

Yes, book it. It runs one of the largest public telescopes in the country, and the science programs before dark are what make the sky mean something once it arrives. The daytime views over the hills and the river cost you nothing at all. Clear nights out here are far more common than on the coast. Check the forecast before you drive up, because cloud ends the whole thing.

Is the Maryhill Museum of Art worth a full afternoon?

Yes, easily so. It holds work by Auguste Rodin along with European painting and Native American baskets, and the sculpture garden looks straight out over the Columbia River Gorge. The giant chess set outside is the photograph that everybody ends up taking. The Stonehenge replica sits close by along the same road. Do the two of them together, because splitting them wastes the drive out there.

Is Brooks Memorial State Park good for camping with kids?

Yes, it is. It runs over 700 acres of forest with campsites, hiking trails and the Klickitat River on the boundary, so the fishing and the swimming are both on site. Maryhill State Park down on the Columbia is the other option here. The nights get cold up here even right through the summer months. Book ahead in the warm months, because the sites fill a long way out.

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