Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Wildflower Galleries

    Wildflower Galleries

    It may be arid, but the Monument comes alive in the spring with wildflowers. Here are some of our most colorful.

    Wildflower Galleries

  • Little Brown Myotis

    Hanford Bats

    Legend. Myths. Folklore. Bats figure prominently in our primal fears, the things that scare us in the chill dark of the night. Are we silly!

    Bats

  • Sage Thrasher

    Rare Species

    "The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: 'What good is it?'" – Aldo Leopold, Round River

    Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species

  • Monarch Butterfly

    Insects

    The Monument is paradise for entomologists. Especially lepidopterans. You have to find out what that means.

    Insects

  • Elk Viewing

    Elk

    What do visitors want to see? The White Bluffs, of course. Coyotes, deer and birds have their fans. But everyone wants to see the massive elk found here.

    Elk

Of Interest

Othello Sandhill Crane Festival

March 20, 2021 Sandhill Crane Festival Promo

The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is greatly limited this year due to COVID-19. However, there are a few events online. None of these events are associated with the refuge, however. As it has throughout this pandemic, the refuge lands remain open, but the buildings are closed. If you do decide to visit, please use extreme care and practice standard COVID-19 protocols; masks are required on all federal lands.

Othello Sandhill Crane Festival Site

Paleontology

Mammoth Cartoon

The Monument may be the only national wildlife refuge in the country that has an obligation to not only protect living wildlife, but also that long since dead.

Paleontology

Cultural Resources

Arrowhead

The history and cultural heritage of Hanford would fill several web sites. We've pulled together just a taste of what's to be discovered here.

Cultural Resources
Enjoying Wildlife

Watching Wildlife

Watching Wildlife

Want to see more animals on your trip to the Hanford Reach National Monument? Here are some tips from the "experts."

Watching Wildlife

About the Complex

Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Hanford Reach National Monument is managed as part of the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online