A Beaux-Arts mansion high above the Columbia River houses the Maryhill Museum of Art. The museum is near Goldendale in central Klickitat County; its setting brings art and history together with a striking landscape. One gallery displays 80 works by Auguste Rodin.
Art and Remembrance Along the Columbia River
The museum visit continues outdoors, too: the William and Catherine Dickson Sculpture Park features large-scale sculptures from the permanent collection. Seasonal visiting hours apply to the outdoor grounds. The grounds also include the Lewis and Clark Overlook. The museum itself is an official site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
A different form of remembrance awaits near Maryhill: the Stonehenge Memorial is a life-size replica, three miles east of the Maryhill Museum of Art. It was dedicated in 1918 as a memorial to Klickitat County soldiers who fell in World War I. The Stonehenge Memorial and the Klickitat County Veterans Memorial are open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk; check operating information before your visit. The historic Maryhill Loops Road is also part of the region’s history; it was the first road in the Pacific Northwest paved with macadam asphalt.
In Goldendale, the Goldendale Observatory offers another perspective on science and discovery: it houses one of the largest publicly accessible telescopes in the United States. An appointment is required to access the visitor center and observatory; confirm the appointment policy before you travel. The Presby Museum is located in the Presby Mansion and was dedicated on August 18, 1962. In Bickleton, the Carousel Museum displays 24 horses and four chariots from a Herschell-Spillman traveling carousel dating from 1890 to 1906. The Gorge Heritage Museum is housed in the old Bingen Congregational Church.
Trails, River, and Seasonal Experiences
Columbia Hills Historical State Park combines hiking trails with cultural history. From the Crawford Oaks and Dalles Mountain Ranch trailheads, there are about seven miles of trails. The Temani-Pesh-Wa exhibit is open from April to October during daylight hours; confirm seasonal visiting conditions before your trip. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available to rent at Horsethief Lake during peak season. Check this seasonal availability in advance as well.
A special destination in the park is Tsagaglalal, also known as She Who Watches. Guided tours take place from April to October on Fridays and Saturdays at 9 a.m. Advance registration is required; check whether your preferred date is available before traveling.
The Klickitat Trail follows a former rail corridor and connects Lyle with Goldendale over a distance of 31 miles. It is distinct from the Klickitat State Park Trail, which follows the Klickitat River through Swale Canyon. There is generally no cell service or drinking water at its access points; the trailhead in Lyle is an exception. Check trail conditions and facilities in advance before a longer hike.
Wetlands, Forests, and Winter Landscapes
Extensive wetlands in Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge provide habitat for numerous migratory birds and resident elk. The Willard Springs Trail is a two-mile loop along the edge of the open marsh and through pine trees. Along the way, enjoy views across the former bed of Conboy Lake toward Mount Adams. The refuge headquarters has a wildlife viewing platform, parking, and restrooms; confirm availability before your visit. The refuge is open for day use only, from sunrise to sunset. Check the current rules in advance.
The landscape along the Columbia River also offers specific activities: the north shore in Klickitat County provides access for windsurfing. From Trout Lake, visitors can access the Mount Adams Recreation Area and snow parks for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In Bickleton, white and blue birdhouses along the fences are a distinctive feature of the town; it is known as the “Bluebird Capital of the World.”
Discover more destinations: Goldendale, Lyle, Bingen, White Salmon, Trout Lake, Island County, Jefferson County, Asotin.
For the broader travel overview: Washington.
