Goldendale Observatory

Goldendale Observatory, situated in a remote area of Eastern Washington, houses one of the largest public telescopes in the nation. The renovation and expansion modernized the State Park facility to accommodate more visitors, school groups, and amateur astronomers. A new entry drive and turnaround enhances the arrival experience and provides a gentle ascent with dramatic views revealed at the top. New interpretive spaces both inside and outside the building expand educational opportunities for visitors, and amber colored site lighting supports Dark Sky requirements and enhances visitor experience during night-time star viewing. Walker Macy developed a highly sustainable approach to the sensitive site – boulders unearthed in construction were reused to build site walls, disturbed areas were re-seeded with native meadow and lupine, and planting around the building features High Desert natives in unique ways, including silver and white flowering plants that form a “moon garden”.