Yakima Day Trip >>Goldendale

If you're ever in Central Washington wondering what to do on a yet another sun drenched day, consider going here: The Goldendale Observatory State Park. There is a 24.5 inch telescope, one of the largest public telescopes in the country. During the summer programs run from 2-5 and 8-midnight Wed-Sun, and admission is by donation! It's about an hour and 20 minutes to Goldendale from Yakima.

Goldendale Observatory State Park

Avery acting as a gnomon for the Human Sundial.
Just down the road a few more miles is the famous Maryhill Museum, home of Rodin's The Thinker as well as a huge permanent collection, tons of interesting and varied travelling exhibitions, workshops, and festivals. The museum is open every day from Mar 15- Nov 15, from 9-5. Admission is $7, seniors are $6, children 6-16 are only $2. The sculpture garden, picnic grounds, and parking are free, and it's just a few minutes down the road from Goldendale, overlooking the Columbia Gorge.

Avery, Columbia River, barge, big rock.

To make your day trip complete stop by Washington's Stonehenge, a full-size replica of Britain's Stonehenge (but intact), built as a memorial to soldiers lost in World War 1.

Grandpa Dave, trying not to lose his cap to the wind.

On your way back to Yakima stop at our favorite little gem, an unexpected surprise as you drive through the forest, 12 miles north of Goldendale: St. John's Bakery, a lovely little Greek Bakery, coffee shop, restaurant, and religious gift shop. They're open Mon -Sat 9-6. You can arrange visits to the Monastery, and Orthodox Christian families are allowed to stay overnight with prior permission. In any case you can munch koulourakia all the way home while you look for some of the wild horses on the Yakama Nation and try, just try, to smooth your windswept hair.