Goldendale Reindeer Farm open by appointment only — Attraction in Goldendale

This past Saturday, my husband and granddaughter visited Goldendale Reindeer LLC in Goldendale, WA. They had a wonderful time as hosts Dan and Tanya showed them around the property, introducing them to their animals, sharing interesting facts and figures, and making them feel very welcome. Their farm was filled with healthy animals whose personalities were as different as the many breeds.

Elvis was a large male reindeer with big antlers. There were three calves that had all been born in April, and Elvis was the father of all three. I wonder if he charmed the ladies with a song? 😊

Many of the chickens were comfortable with people and could be held. There was a big turkey who had an unusual proclivity – he loved being held and let you know. They kept him in a fenced off area with other birds, because he would just jump into your arms, ready or not!

It was obvious that they had a passion for sustainable living as they shared the many ways they were working towards being completely off the grid. Their story of transitioning from emergency room RNs in Chino, CA, to the owners of a reindeer farm in the Pacific Northwest.

They had a great time feeding, petting, and walking with the reindeer. Seeing the assortment of birds in their flocks, learning about beekeeping (yes, they even sell the honey!), and seeing their lone bunny was a fun experience. Here are some fun reindeer facts that our granddaughter excitedly shared when they got home. • Reindeer have 3 layers of fur. Their skin doesn’t get wet when they swim. • Their hooves make a clicking sound as their tenons cross each other as they walk. • The velvet coating on their antlers has blood vessels running through them. When the velvet is gone, so are the blood vessels. • The growth rate of their antlers is 1 to 2 inches per DAY! • The large make antlers can weigh 25-30 pounds. • They have fur all over their noses. This protects them from frostbite. • They use their feet and lower legs to cool themselves down during the summer. You can see them with their feet in water to cool them down. • They have a matriarchal society. • They are the only animals that can see ultraviolet light. • They can smell lichen under 3 feet of snow. It is one of their favorite foods and can keep them alive in the winter.

Our granddaughter was 14, and she loved it. It’s a good alternative to phones and video games. Any age would enjoy a visit...

They do such a lovely job. Highly recommend going during Christmas time. We moved back to Goldendale from Palmer, AK where we lived right next to the famous reindeer farm so of course we wanted to check it out. While the one in Alaska is a much bigger reindeer farm that has been going for generations, I was thoroughly impressed with how much they have done here in such a short time. The reindeer in Alaska are so tame that you can walk right in and pet a lot of them and feed them, but it is probably more of a liability and I didn’t feel like it was that big of a loss because you still get to feed one here and get right up to them and there is always someone there to answer questions. You can take turns visiting with them over and over if you want. Overall, I honestly liked the way this one has it set up better. There is enough going on that it is never overcrowded in any one place. The reindeer are beautiful and the barn is really nice and well decorated for Christmas. The carolers were a wonderful treat. They sang old fashioned carols with beautiful harmony. I don’t think it would have felt as full of an experience without them. They made it so festive. I was grateful for numerous places to get warm and fun activities for the kids and hot chocolate. Their Santa was really incredible. :) He had a great beard - 100% real, an authentic outfit, and genuine Santa personality. Mrs Clause was sweet too. The bell as a gift was a nice touch. We already had our Christmas tree, but their trees looked really nice. And I was surprised how many they still had this close to Christmas. If you were late getting a tree definitely try the reindeer farm. Everything was tastefully done. The only thing I would change is doing the demonstration/talk part at least 15 minutes earlier. By the time they did it it felt like we had been out in the cold for a long time, maybe 45 min, but I wasn’t keeping track. Our baby was not able to tolerate it anymore and we couldn’t get close to the fire - we caught the first few minutes then had to go back to the barn. Since I’ve already been to many demonstrations I didn’t mind, but for the sake of little kids I would do it almost right away cuz they lose the attention span or ability to stay in the cold quicker. I think this is a great tradition for families to do every year and it will be neat to watch...

Visiting the reindeer farm was nothing short of magical—an unforgettable experience that brings joy in every season, not just at Christmas (though the holiday spirit is definitely alive year-round!).

From the moment you arrive, you’re wrapped in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting in the snow-dusted winter or the green glow of summer, the charm never fades. The reindeer are clearly well-loved and exceptionally well cared for—healthy, gentle, and surprisingly curious. You can pet them, feed them, and even get up close with the babies, who might just nuzzle your hand or nibble your sleeve. It’s impossible not to fall in love.

The staff truly make the experience shine. They’re incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, eager to share fascinating facts about reindeer behavior, their seasonal changes, and how they’re raised and cared for. You leave not just with adorable photos and a full heart, but with a deeper understanding of these majestic animals.

There’s a special kind of peace that comes from being so close to nature—and reindeer, with their soulful eyes and gentle nature, offer that in spades. Whether you’re a Christmas fanatic, an animal lover, or just someone looking for a magical escape, this reindeer farm is an experience that sticks with you long after you leave.

Five stars isn’t enough. It’s pure...