The Hanford Reach is a free-flowing section of the Columbia River named after a large Northward bend in the river's otherwise Southbound course. It is located in Eastern Washington State, and can be accessed from the “Tri-Cities Area” of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco. Much of the Hanford Reach flows through the Hanford Site, a nuclear production facility that started during World War II. It is also the site of the Hanford Reach National Monument.
The Monument is a place of sweeping vistas and stark beauty, of towering bluffs and delicate flowers. Wildlife abounds in this harsh landscape—rare is a trip along the river that doesn't produce mule deer, coyotes, bald eagles, great blue herons, or white pelicans. A large elk herd hides in the canyons, and incredibly, porcupines are a common sight. Rare plants defy the drought, wind and heat. Beautiful spring wildflower displays delight the visitor who venture into the field.
The Monument is also a reminder of our history as Plutonium reactors, now being dismantled, stand in the distance, remnants of WWII and the Cold War.
Cruise Season – May - October
Currency - United States Dollar (USD)
Language – English
Population – 47,500 approx (Richland)
Land Area – 90.2 km2
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT minus eight hours
International Country Telephone Code – 1
Travel Links – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International airport have international flights and are about 2-3 hours from this region by car. Two airports in this region have commercial air service (although limited): Yakima Airport and Pasco Airport.
Amtrak's Empire Builder stops in Pasco (on the Portland branch) and Ephrata (on the Seattle branch).