The Hanford Reach National Monument itself does not have specific visitor center hours, but you can visit the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center in Richland from 10:00 to 16:30, Tuesday through Friday, and Saturday. It is closed on Monday and Sunday.
There are no entrance fees for visiting the Hanford Reach National Monument.
From Richland, take Highway 240 east, embracing the stark beauty of the Columbia River’s untouched stretch, where desert landscapes and ancient history converge.
Parking lots are available near the White Bluffs Boat Launch and other units, but no overnight parking is allowed. No specific size restrictions for RVs or motorcycles are mentioned. There are no parking fees noted. Day-use only.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Hanford Reach National Monument, situated in south central Washington, is a verdant oasis that whispers tales of a pristine past. This 195,000-acre sanctuary, created by President Clinton in 2000, protects one of the last free-flowing stretches of the Columbia River, a critical spawning ground for approximately 80% of fall chinook salmon. The monument’s landscape is a tapestry of the shrub-steppe ecosystem, a rare and resilient habitat that once blanketed the Columbia River Basin.
As you meander through the monument’s trails, the scent of sagebrush and bitterbrush fills the air, while the river’s gentle current provides a soothing melody. The White Bluffs Trail offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River, with its towering cliffs and ancient fossil beds. Here, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and over 200 species of birds.
Seasonal changes paint the landscape in vibrant hues – spring brings a flush of wildflowers, summer sees the river teeming with fish, and autumn casts a warm glow over the shrub-steppe. In winter, the area takes on a serene silence, with snow-capped bluffs reflecting off the river’s calm surface.
For those looking to immerse themselves deeper, ranger-led tours and educational programs provide insights into the monument’s rich history and ecology. Nearby, the quaint town of Richland offers a mix of artisan shops and local eateries, such as the iconic Nuclear Brewery and Eatery, which serves craft beers and gourmet meals.
In the summer, visitors can enjoy canoe tours down the Columbia River or attend outdoor concerts under the starlit sky. Local outfitters like Northwest Public Lands offer guided kayak trips and hiking excursions, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Hanford Reach National Monument is more than just a protected area; it is a living, breathing testament to nature’s resilience and beauty, inviting travelers to step into its untouched world and experience the raw elegance of the American wilderness.
- Area (mi²)
- 300
- Annual visitors
- 43 000
- Established year
- 2000
Top 3 Facts about Hanford Reach National Monument
The White Bluffs feature 300 feet of neatly banded soft sedimentary layers, telling the story of Lake Lewis and its geological history. This unique geological formation is a result of millions of years of natural processes.
In this arid yet vibrant landscape, 43 fish species, including threatened Chinook salmon and steelhead, thrive in the river’s islands, riffles, and backwater sloughs. On land, a diverse array of wildlife roams, from elk herds that peak at 670 in winter to coyotes, mule deer, and bobcats. The skies are filled with bald eagles, great blue herons, and Sandhill cranes, while the ground is home to porcupines and 42 other mammal species. With 238 bird species and unique desert flora, this destination offers an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.
Along the last non-tidal, free-flowing section of the Columbia River, crystal-clear waters flow through a landscape sculpted by millennia of fire, ice, and flood. The river’s pristine stretch is flanked by shrub-steppe ecosystems and riparian habitats, with oxbow ponds and gravel bars that support a diverse array of wildlife. The surrounding terrain, part of a 195,000-acre preserve, features a unique blend of desert and river landscapes, with the river itself carving a path through a region once undisturbed as a safety buffer for a nearby nuclear site. Here, the sun-kissed desert meets the cool, flowing water, creating a striking contrast that is both visually stunning and ecologically rich.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Night Sky & Astronomy
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a few days for this vast terrain, especially during the warmer summer months. Bring ample water and wear lifejackets for river activities. Visit the REACH Interpretive Center first, then explore the White Bluffs Trail. Pack meals, as options are limited. Check for cell coverage and let others know your itinerary. Enjoy the scenic views and potential summer kayaking events.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layered clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, and headlamp for overnight stays. Don’t forget a multi-tool, matches, and a refillable water container. Check the weather forecast before your trip.
Respect Wildlife
Respect the shrub-steppe ecosystem by staying on trails, avoiding sensitive habitats, and not disturbing wildlife, especially during salmon spawning seasons. Bring water, sun protection, and leave nothing behind but footprints.【NGL】
Stay Informed
Bring plenty of water, wear lifejackets on the river, and check for snakes. Inform someone of your itinerary and expect variable weather. For emergencies, call 509-546-8300.
Seasons
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Summer brings warm temperatures (80s-90s°F) and clear skies, ideal for kayaking beneath towering bluffs and spotting white pelicans, great egrets, and great blue herons. Witness the critical fall Chinook Salmon run in late summer, a spectacle that draws dozens of coyotes and bald eagles. July and August are peak months for this unique wildlife display.
In the fall, from September to November, with mild temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, witness the spectacle of migrating neotropical birds and bald eagles returning for winter. Coyotes gather on shorelines to feast on salmon carcasses, a unique autumn event. Ideal for birdwatching and paddling, the area is crisp and serene, making it a perfect time to visit.
Winter brings mild temperatures, ranging from 30°F to 50°F, with rare sub-zero periods. Snowfall is brief, offering a serene landscape. Ideal for tracking wildlife and enjoying solitude under vast blue skies, making it a unique and tranquil winter retreat. Visit from November to February.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Hanford Reach National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to the monument is Richland, Washington, which is part of the Tri-Cities area that also includes Kennewick and Pasco. Richland is less than an hour away from the monument’s entrance.
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You can bring your dog, but it must be leashed at all times, except during hunting seasons when dogs can be off-leash for hunting. Dogs are not allowed on trails or for dog training. Assistance animals are also permitted.
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Overnight RV parking, including campers, motorhomes, camper vans, and trailers, is not allowed. There is no camping or overnight parking permitted, except for early or late access for hunting.
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Visit the REACH Museum to learn about the area’s history, including its role in the Manhattan Project since 1943. Go paddling or kayaking along the 51-mile free-flowing section of the Columbia River from Vernita Bridge to the White Bluffs Boat Launch. Enjoy birdwatching, especially for white pelicans, great egrets, and bald eagles, and explore the scenic landscapes and wildlife, including elk and dramatic White Bluffs views.