Plan Your Visit

NOTICE: The White Bluffs Boat Launch Road will be closed this spring. Click for details.

The Hanford Reach National Monument is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Visitors may currently access over 57,000 acres providing wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. Hunters can pursue trophy mule deer and the occasional elk from a herd boasting some of the largest elk in the West. Anglers can pursue salmon, steelhead, monster white sturgeon, largemouth bass, walleye, and many other sportfish. Spring often brings good wildflower shows, and abundant wildlife provide year-round oppotunities for photography and wildlife observation. Old military and service roads provide miles of hiking opportunities, and the more adventurous can head off crosscountry on foot.

The Hanford Reach provides motorized and non-motorized boating opportunities on the nation's only remaining non-tidal, free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River. Jetboat or kayak tours are excellent ways to see the river, experience its history, and catch a glimpse of deer, pelicans, coyotes, bald and golden eagles, various herons, and waterfowl of all descriptions.

The Monument is a land of extremes—heat and cold, water and desert, ancient and modern. While not an unduly dangerous landscape, caution needs to be taken when venturing out into it. There are few visitor facilities at present, and the visitor should plan on self-sufficiency. It's dry; bring plenty of water. River winds can capsize small craft; wear lifejackets. Some areas are remote; let someone know your destination and when you'll be back. Cell coverage is generally pretty good, due the flat landscape, but that shouldn't be your emergency plan. While rare and very shy, there are Pacific rattlesnakes, so don't reach into areas without first checking. The only real wildlife threats would be allergic reactions to insect or spider bites (e.g., black widow spiders).

Visitors should be prepared for minimal signing and primitive facilities. A visitor brochure is available; just drop us a note with your name and address.

Warnings aside, the Monument is a fairly safe and pleasant environment. Obey signs and follow common sense, and you'll enjoy your visit to this unique national monument and wildlife refuge.

Access

The entire Monument is open from sunrise to sunset. The one exception is for hunting, when the hours are 1½ hours before legal hunting hours to 1½ hours after sunset.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE WHITE BLUFFS BOAT LAUNCH IS CLOSED FROM NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH JUNE 30. THIS STRETCH OF THE RIVER IS A SANCTUARY FOR OVER-WINTERING WATERFOWL.

Columbia River Corridor Unit—The river's surface waters are open year-round. The shorelines (1/4 mile from the mean high water mark) are closed, except at designated locations, as are all islands between Vernita Bridge and the Bonneville Power line (river mile 351). Islands below this line are open to bird hunting only during approved state seasons.

Rattlesnake Unit & Fitzner-Eberhardt Arid Lands Ecology Reserve—The Rattlesnake Unit, including the ALE, is closed to general public access. Use is currently limited to approved ecological research and environmental education activities.

Ringold Unit—This area is open to the public year-round.

Saddle Mountain Unit—The Saddle Mountain Unit is open to public use year-round.

Wahluke Unit—The western half of the Wahluke Unit (Saddle Mountain Wildlife Refuge) is currently closed to general public access. Use is limited to approved ecological research and environmental education activities. The eastern half is open to public use year-round.

Hunting

Visitors to the Monument in fall and winter can enjoy a variety of hunting experiences in the riparian and shrub-steppe habitats. Upland hunters will find chukar and California quail challenging in the tall sagebrush. Waterfowl are abundant on both the Columbia River and the White Bluffs Ponds on the Wahluke Unit. Big game hunters can find opportunities to harvest mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk.

All seasons are set by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Be sure to read the free state hunting regulations published annually. Special restrictions apply while hunting Monument lands, including restrictions on modern firearms and non-toxic shot. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery are the only weapons allowed.

Hunting Seasons/Regulations Specific to the Monument

Fishing

The Hanford Reach offers 51 miles of free-flowing Columbia River, the last in the United States. It maintains a world-class fishery, enjoyed by anglers year round. Trophy bass can be found in the side channels and along rocky shorelines. Fall chinook salmon, termed "Upriver Brights" return to the Reach every year by the thousands to spawn in the gravel beds. Steelhead are also found in the river's cold, clear water and can provide anglers with the fight of a lifetime; however, all wild steelhead must be released unharmed. In the deep holes of the Columbia, the ancient white sturgeon gives anglers an opportunity to harvest this unique species.

Most fishing is generally done from a motor boat, with shallow draft jet boats being the most popular. A float trip by kayak, raft, or canoe will provide a chance to fish the upper Reach. Though less productive, bank fishing is also possible with bass being the best quarry.

Fishing seasons and limits are set by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Be sure to review the regulations which are published annually. Make your trip to Hanford Reach memorable with a trophy fish for your wall or dinner table.

Boating The Hanford Reach

Boating on the Hanford Reach can be a memorable experience. But without proper equipment and safety it could be your last! The Columbia is a cold, powerful river that has claimed lives. By following these safety suggestions your visit to the Monument will be a fun-filled event.

Be Aware of River Mileage: The Hanford Reach is the last non-tidal, free-flowing section of the Columbia River in the United States. Total distance from Priest Rapids Dam to Richland is 51 miles, a trip that can last over 16 hours in a non-motorized craft. There are minimal facilities along the river with the only access points at Vernita Bridge, White Bluffs Boat Ramp, Parking Area 7, and Ringold Fish Hatchery. It is recommended that a full length float trip be divided into two day-trips with take-out at White Bluffs and Ringold. There are no camping facilities on the Monument, so vehicles need to be shuttled between access points. Inquire locally for up-to-date weather and river conditions.

River Conditions: River flows are regulated by Priest Rapids Dam, operated by the Grant County PUD. River levels can change dramatically, rising and falling up to 10 feet in a short time. While stopping along the river, be observant of changing river conditions and anchor your watercraft well above the high water line. Be aware of strong and swirling currents and gravel bars that can ground and swamp your craft.

Weather Conditions: Like the river, the weather can be very dynamic. Temperatures in summer can reach well above 100 degrees and winters drop below zero. Wearing sunscreen and carrying plenty of water is recommended. Winds also can be troublesome, especially for non-motorized craft experiencing a strong headwind. Plan ahead for the time needed to reach your destination.

Wear your Personal Flotation Device (PFD): The majority of boating fatalities on the Reach have resulted from boaters not wearing their PFDs. One Coast Guard approved PFD is required for each passenger. Be sure to follow state and federal boating laws requiring that proper safety equipment be onboard for your specific type of watercraft.

Observe Closed Areas: Both for your safety and that of the wildlife, please observe all closed area restrictions. The Department of Energy's side of the river, south and west shores, are closed above the high water line. All islands between Vernita Bridge and the wooden powerlines at the Hanford townsite are closed for wildlife resting and nesting. Observe and enjoy wildlife from a distance.

Boat Launches: The Wahluke Unit provides two boat launches. The White Bluffs Boat Launch is concrete with a narrow, two-lane capacity. Please be aware that the White Bluffs Boat Launch is closed from November 1 through June 30; this stretch of the river is a sanctuary for over-wintering waterfowl. The gravel/cobblestone launch at Parking Lot 7 is usable seasonally by four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Just outside the Monument boundary, the Ringold Fish Hatchery, operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, has an undeveloped launching area.

There are about 13 boat launches downstream of the Monument in the Tri-Cities area that can be used to access the Monument via the river.

Summary:
Vernita Bridge – Primitive 4WD
White Bluffs – Paved Single Lane
Parking Area 7 – Primitive 4WD
Ringold Fish Hatchery – Primitive 4WD

River Miles: Priest Rapids Dam to Vernita Bridge – 8 miles
Vernita Bridge to White Bluffs Boat Ramp – 18 miles
White Bluffs Boat Ramp to Parking Area 7 – 10 miles
Parking Area 7 to Ringold Fish Hatchery – 8 miles

Facilities

If you’re planning on visiting, please be aware that facilities are limited and primitive in nature.

Roads: Access roads in the Wahluke Unit are nearly all graveled. Passenger cars are fine for most roads, with two exceptions; (1) the Saddle Mountain access road may seasonally require high clearance and/or four wheel drive as it ascends up the Mountain; and (2) the WB-10 pond access road is sand/dirt and requires high clearance and/or four-wheel drive. When driving, please be watchful for bicyclists, equestrian users and pedestrians, who may be using the roadways.

Restrooms: The Vernita Bridge Rest Stop is located along State Route 24, just south of the Vernita Bridge. Operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation, this site is open 24 hours and provides flush toilets, picnic tables, shade trees, drinking water, garbage cans, and informational signs. Portable toilets are placed at the White Bluffs Boat Launch and Parking Lots 2 and 7 from June through October.

Boat Launches: See Boating above.

Regulations & Restrictions

We want to you come and enjoy the Monument, but we do have some rules—rules designed to protect wildlife, the fragile habitats, cultural resources, and other visitor's experiences.

Bicycles

• Bicycles, including mountain bikes, are considered vehicles by federal statute and follow the same posted restrictions.
• Off-road use is strictly prohibited; bicycles are not allowed on trails or to travel cross-country.
• Bicycles are allowed on the paved road between the locked gates at Ringold and the White Bluff’s Overlook.
• Bicycles are also allowed to travel from the parking lot for the WB-10 Ponds to the ponds on the existing road only.

Collecting

• All collecting is prohibited, including antlers, bones, rocks, artifacts and plant life.
• Disturbing plant life and all digging are prohibited.

Firearms

• Per Department of Energy regulations, only those firearms used for that particular hunting season are allowed. Handguns, modern rifles, airguns (e.g., BB and pellet guns), etc., are not allowed anywhere on the Monument at any time. During hunting season, those that are allowed must be cased and/or dismantled when not in use.

Fires

• Open fires (camping or cooking) are not permitted on the Monument at any time.
• There are usually seasonal restrictions put in place each year. Please check www.fws.gov/mcriver/regulations.html in the spring and summer.

Fishing

• Please consult the Washington State fishing pamphlet for limits, seasons, and other information.
• Fishing is allowed only on the River and Wahluke Unit.

Hiking

• Hiking cross-country is allowed only on the Wahluke Unit.

Horseback Riding

• Horseback riding is allowed only on the Wahluke Unit.

Islands

• The islands are closed to public access above the ordinary high water mark.
• None of the Monument islands are open to big game hunting. Waterfowl hunting is only allowed below the ordinary high water mark and only those islands downstream of the wooden powerline crossing north of the Ringold area.

Motorized Vehicles

• Motorized vehicles are allowed only on roads open to public travel.

Paragliding

• Hang-gliding and paragliding are prohibited, as are remote-controlled model airplanes.

Waterfowl/Upland Bird Hunting

• Please consult the Washington State pamphlet for bag limits and general information.
• For Monument specific regulations, please visit our Regulations page.
• The digging of waterfowl hunting pits, and the collecting/cutting of vegetation for camouflaging of waterfowl hunting pits, is prohibited.
• Non-toxic shot is required for ALL bird hunting (upland and waterfowl) on the Monument.

Other Resources

As far as actually planning your visit, the Tri-Cities of Kennewick, Richland and Pasco, as well as nearby West Richland and Benton City, offer a wide range of hotels, restaurants and stores. (Please visit the Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau web site.) Camping is available at Benton County's Horn Rapids Park, Desert Aire, Mattawa, Kennewick's Columbia Park, facilites along Grant County's Priest Rapids and Wanapum Reservoirs, and other nearby facilities. Jetboat and kayak tours of the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River are availbale. The Tri-Cities Visitor and Convention Bureau can help you out with locating other area attractions like wine tasting tours, area parks, and other recreational areas.