Drive along the scenic highway toward White Salmon and the charming community of Goldendale, and you’ll stumble across one of our favorite nighttime activities in the Columbia River Gorge: Stargazing at the stunning Goldendale Observatory. It’s about 90 minutes for our cabins in Washington, but an evening spent here under the stars will be more than worth your while, we promise.
You’ll find the Goldendale Observatory in the towering hills above the Columbia River. It’s home to one of the largest public telescopes in the country. Though it offers breathtaking daytime views of the Columbia River Gorge, the true show begins as the sun goes down. Whether an avid astronomy enthusiast or a casual observer of the night skies, the Goldendale Observatory is a truly exceptional facility.
Of course, stargazing is just one of the many fantastic things to do in the Columbia River Gorge – and our luxury cabins in Washington are the perfect home base to enjoy all of it. We offer ten spectacular cabins on our beautifully landscaped grounds, each serving as a private, intimate oasis and a cozy home away from home. Our cabins are outfitted with luxurious amenities, generous soaking tubs, comfortable beds and seating areas, and so much more.
There’s truly no escape like it. Whether it’s dark night skies you come in search of or endless hikes high above the mighty Columbia River, we know you’ll fall in love with the Columbia River Gorge just as much as we have. Elevate your getaway, and book our luxury cabins in Washington today!
A Night at the Goldendale Observatory
There are plenty of great places to observe the starry night sky in Washington – especially in places with so much wilderness, such as the Columbia River Gorge. However, one of our favorite nearby spots is the beautiful Goldendale Observatory, about 90 minutes east of our cabins.
The Goldendale Observatory is special. To start, its location, high in the hills above the river, is truly stunning. We recommend you start your visit here before the sun goes down to fully appreciate it. Apart from its beautiful location, the Goldendale Observatory is also home to one of the largest public telescopes in the country, offering laypeople an exceptional opportunity to view the stars.
The observatory is actually home to several telescopes, but the most coveted is the 24.5″ Newtonian reflector in the south dome of the observatory. Visitors can also experience the stars from behind the lenses of the Celestron 14″ Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope or the Lunt 152 Solar Telescope, both located in the North Dome. There are also portable telescopes available for public use during the evening presentations.
This spring, the Goldendale Observatory will offer a daytime solar program from 2 – 4 pm and an evening program from 7 – 10 pm. Hours and programming are subject to change with the seasons, though, so make sure to check the website beforehand to enjoy the best experience.
If you want to visit the Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site, though, you’ll need a do a little advance planning. Appointments are required for all visits, day or night, and can be made directly on the website. Admission to the observatory is free, but you will need a Washington State Discover Pass to park. That pass is $10 for a single day or $30 for an annual pass.
In addition to regular daily programming, there are also special events at the Goldendale Observatory, so you should check to see if anything special is taking place during your stay at our cabins.
An Unforgettable Night at Our Beautiful Cabins
If you’re ready for a stunning, adventure-filled escape in the rugged paradise known as the Columbia River Gorge, we have just the place in mind! Our Washington cabins serve as the perfect getaway for couples and solo travelers from Seattle, Olympia, Portland, and beyond. From here, it’s easy for you to enjoy all the best things to do in the Columbia River Gorge, including stargazing at the Goldendale Observatory.
But our cabins in the woods offer so much more than a restful place to lay your head at night. We deliver a true oasis; an intimate getaway close enough to enjoy often, but far enough away to feel like you’re in another world. Our cabins are located in the charming community of Carson, just down the highway from the Bridge of the Gods, and located between the communities of Stevenson and White Salmon.
Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins offers ten private cabins nestled on nine scenic acres. The property is surrounded by towering trees and scenic woods and features gorgeous landscaped gardens with private seating areas, dry creek beds, and meadows. Our eco-friendly practices support our surrounding ecosystems and the wildlife that call them home. As a result, our property has become something of a paradise for our local wildlife and the people who love to (quietly) observe them.
As you settle into our Columbia River Gorge cabins, you’ll be greeted with a welcome basket of snacks to enjoy. Each cabin also features a range of high-end amenities, including gas fireplaces, cozy sitting areas, private jetted tubs, luxury robes and linens, comfortable beds, dead sea bath salts, and more. We’ll even treat you to breakfast if you add it to your reservation! Moreover, guests enjoy our exquisite hospitality, which strikes the perfect balance between catering to your needs and leaving you to enjoy your intimate escape.
If you’re ready for a whole new range of adventures this year, join us at our top-rated cabins in Washington. Book your cabin today!
