2 Best Sights in Southeastern Washington, Washington

This 5-acre park on a 2,100-foot-elevation bluff just north of Goldendale's compact downtown contains one of the nation's largest public telescopes, and the town's remote location, far from the lights of any cities, is ideal. A major renovation and expansion in 2021 added a number of interesting interpretive exhibits to the observatory, and seating capacity has been tripled. Fascinating astronomy programs and sky-watching events are held during the day and evening, year-round by reservation only.

A petroglyph whose eyes seem to look straight at you, "She Who Watches" or "Tsagaglalal" is the logo for this museum. Sitting among the dramatic basaltic cliffs on the north bank of the Columbia River Gorge, the museum explores the life of the Gorge: its history, Native culture, architecture, legends, and much more. Younger guests enjoy the the 37-foot-high fish wheel, a device like a mill wheel equipped with baskets for catching fish, from the 19th century. Historians appreciate studying the water route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There's also an eye-opening exhibit that examines current environmental impacts on the area.