Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In spite of Hanford's toxic legacy, in a remarkable twist of fate it was also single-handedly responsible for preserving the last free-flowing,
nontidal stretch of the “River of the West.” The 51-square-mile buffer needed to protect outsiders from Hanford and vice versa during World War
II and the Cold War is now protected as
Hanford Reach National Monument,
an amazing preserve that helps sustain healthy runs of chinook
salmon and offers safe haven for deer, coyotes, bobcats, white pelicans, and other flora and fauna. For more information, contact the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service Monument/Refuge headquarters at 509/371-1801 or
www.hanford.gov/doe/culres
.
See
A NUCLEAR LEGACY
Museums
The
Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology
(95 Lee Blvd., Richland, 509/943-9000,
www.crehst.org
, 10 A.M.-5 P.M.
Mon.-Sat., noon-5 P.M. Sun., $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2.50 children) best illustrates the Tri-Cities' split personality with agricultural and natural
displays on one side, and nuclear exhibits on the other. Try out a “hot cell” manipulator arm or learn to name all the local Columbia fish species
on sight.
The
Washington State Railroads Historical Society Museum
(122 N. Tacoma Ave., 509/543-4159,
www.wsrhs.org
,
noon-4 P.M. Thurs.-Fri.,
9 A.M.-3 P.M. Sat., $2 adults, $1 senior and teen, free 12 and under) has railroad memorabilia inside and display of antique locomotives and
railcars outside.
City Parks
Columbia Park
(509/783-3711,
www.ci.kennewick.wa.us
,
open year-round) forms a 609-acre border along the south shore of the Columbia River
(Lake Wallula) in Kennewick, with four boat ramps for fishing and waterskiing, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a picnic area, nature trails,
and campsites ($7) and RV spaces ($11). One of the main attractions is a six-mile paved path that's a favorite of cyclists, in-line skaters, joggers,
and lovers out for a riverside stroll. Two other popular spots are the
Columbia Park Family Fishing Pond
and
Playground of Dreams.
The
pond was built by a consortium of community groups, and the playground was constructed in five days with help from over 5,000 volunteers.
Lake Sacajawea
Nine miles east of Pasco on the Snake River,
Ice Harbor Lock and Dam
is the first of four dams on the Lower Snake, with one of the highest
single-lift locks in the world, rising 103 feet. Take a self-guided tour, watch the eager fish climb the ladders, or stop by the visitors center (9
A.M.-5 P.M. daily Apr.-Oct.).
The dam creates Lake Sacajawea, accessible for fishing, waterskiing, or swimming at
Levey Park
on the Pasco-Kahlotus Road on the lake's
west side, and Charbonneau and Fishhook Parks on the east side.
Charbonneau Park
(14 mi. northeast of Pasco, 509/547-7783, Apr.-Oct.,
$18-22) and
Fishhook Park
(off Highway 124, May-mid-Sept., $14-22) have campsites with water, fire rings, and showers. Make reservations
for both these Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at 518/885-3639, 877/444-6777, or
www.reserveusa.com
.
