Goldendale, Washington

www.Goldendale.net

Goldendale Washington Information

Home | Recreation | Points of Interest | Directory

Goldendale, Washington

Goldendale is the county seat of Klickitat County located in south central Washington state. The city of Goldendale was incorporated as a city in 1879. With a total population of 3,760, according to the 2000 Census, Goldendale is the largest city in Klickitat County. Farming, ranching, recreation and timber are the major industries of this area that make up a large part of the Goldendale economy.

Goldendale sits on a fertile plateau just north of the Columbia River and just south the pine-covered Simcoe Mountains. Klickitat County is 1,200 square miles in size and contains a variety of scenery and wildlife. It ranges from pine forests in the west and north to the spectacular scenery of the Columbia River Gorge at the south. The population of Klickitat County is only about 19,500 people.

Location

Goldendale's location in the state is somewhat remote, making this community an ideal place to live for those who don't like traffic conjestion and the fast pace life of the larger cities. The nearest larger towns are The Dalles in Oregon to the west, a 40 minute drive, and Yakima WA to the north, a 1 hour and 15 minute drive. Both Portland OR and Vancouver WA are to the west and is about a 2 hour drive while Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland or The TriCities is about a 2 hour drive to the east.

School District

The Goldendale School District consists of 3 schools, Goldendale Primary School, Goldendale Middle School, and Goldendale High School with a combined total enrollment of about 1150 students. The percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards is virtually higher across the board in Math, Reading and Writing than the state average and the drop out rate is lower than the state average.
Source: www.GreatSchools.net

Climate

The elevation of Goldendale is at 1635 feet, and the summer temps can get very warm with 90 plus degree days and the winters getting down into the teens or single digit temps, though these cold spells only last a week or two and temperatures are generally in the 20 plus degree range for the most part in the middle of winter. The months of May and June are usually the windiest months. Goldendale has an average annual total precipitation is around 17.5 inches with the average annual total snowfall is around 25 inches. For nearby traffic cams to view local road conditions, go to WSDOT:
Satus Pass and Maryhill