Wings Over Goldendale

June 12-14

This year’s conference will be in the Goldendale area where we expect to see butterflies not common in the rest of the state, including the large, black Indra Swallowtail, as well as the Propertius Duskywing and the Gold Hunter’s Hairstreak. Weekend field trips can visit varied habitats, from the steep slopes of the southern Cascades down to the dramatic Columbia Gorge. Forests of the area are a mix of fir, pine, and oak. Grassland covers south-facing slopes and low plateaus. Riparian corridors crisscross throughout, and springs and ponds dot the area. The area also has a variety of other species, including black- tailed deer, western gray squirrels, western pond turtles, and Vaux’s swifts.

Note: Lodging and breakfasts/lunches will not be included in registration.

WBA has blocked 15 rooms at a discount at the Quality Inn and Suites in Goldendale. Call them by June 11 at (509) 773-5881 and tell them you’re part of “the butterfly group” to get the discount.

Species Checklist for Goldendale

Carolyn’s Advice for Goldendale Sights

I am so happy that our 2026 study weekend will be in Goldendale. I have fond memories from the last time WBA met there, for the 14th annual conference in 2013. We were there to find butterflies in Klickitat County, but I arrived early and had time to explore the area before the field trips began. I had retired in August 2012, which meant this wasn’t a rushed drive after work on Friday. In the past, I rarely arrived in time for Friday evening socializing, and I would leave on Sunday after lunch so I could get home in time for a good night’s sleep before work on Monday.
In 2013, I was able to do things differently—I drove to Goldendale on Thursday and stayed until Monday. As soon as I checked into my motel, I went to Goldendale Observatory State Park to see what programs they offered. (Admission is free, but a reservation is required along with a Discover Pass for parking. The moon will be dark that weekend this year so good star viewing!)
That afternoon, I attended their solar program and got to see sunspots. The park ranger was especially excited because they were larger than normal. Although there was also an evening program, he warned me that a school group would be attending, so I decided to come back another night.
Over the next couple of days, I explored more of the area. At one point, I spent part of an afternoon at the Presby Muse-um, run by the Klickitat County Historical Society. It was a quiet, unhurried visit, and I enjoyed learning more about the local history.

I also visited the Stonehenge Memorial. Having seen the original Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in England, I was curi-ous how this replica would compare. I was surprised by how moving it was in its own right. Set above the Columbia River, it serves as a memorial to the servicemen of Klickitat County who died in World War I, and it has a quiet dignity that invites reflection.
Later, I made my way to the Maryhill Museum of Art. It felt almost unexpected to find such a rich and varied collection in the middle of the countryside. I remember wandering from gallery to gallery, continually surprised by what I found there. Knowing now that it was founded in 1926 makes it even more special—this year marks its centennial.
I finally returned to the observatory on Sunday evening. There were only about eight of us, and we saw numerous gal-axies. What impressed me most was Saturn—it appeared so large through the telescope that I could clearly see its rings.
By the time the

weekend’s butterflying began, I had already discovered how much there was to enjoy in and around Goldendale.
It’s a weekend I’ve never forgotten – and I’m looking forward to experiencing Goldendale all over again.

Goldendale Species List