Accessible Trails in Benton County

Sacagawea Heritage Trail - Tri-Cities

Directions:

This trail has multiple access points on either side of the Columbia river in the cities of Pasco, Richland and Kennewick. Each of the cities offers wheelers the ability to explore seven-plus miles of paved paths. Trailheads originate in a variety of riverside parks and the pathway runs adjacent to several hotels and motels properties -- perfect for wheelers and slow walkers looking for flat trails along the Columbia River, all within an urban environment. See detailed maps of the trail and pick out a section to try. Here's some suggestions:

A popular ADA access point is from Kennewick's Columbia Park (Columbia Park Trail). Take State Route 240 to Edison Street and follow signs to the park.

Kennewick's Lewis & Clark Overlook and access point is located at the intersection of Columbia Center Blvd. and Columbia Park Trail.

Kennewick's Columbia Point Marina Park is located at the end of Columbia Point Drive (GPS - 46°15'49.84"N, 119°14'55.74"W).

Richland's Howard Amon Park access point is at the end of Lee Blvd (GPS - 46°16'20.88"N, 119°16'13.93"W).

Features:

The wheelchair accessible 22-mile Sacagawea Heritage Trail circles the river and extends through Pasco, Richland and Kennewick. A longer 23-mile route continues west on Columbia Drive across the Yakima River and back to the smaller loop trail connecting at Marina Park.

This trail was upgraded and extended for the Lewis and Clark bicentenial celebrations and the Tri-cities continue to upgrade their off-road trail system to make it one of the Pacific Northwest's top riverfront pedestrian/bike paths. The trail along the Columbia River weaves between sections of riparian habitat that provide an opportunity to get up-close to nature from an easily accessible paved trail system. View songbirds, migrating waterfowl, American White Pelican, Osprey, blue heron, duck and pheasant. And occasionally even skunk, deer, beaver, river otter, snakes and other local wildlife.

Kennewick: Columbia Park west has a popular six-mile paved, relatively flat section providing options for short trips. See parking lot, restrooms and access information (riverfront west) and (riverfront east).

Begin at the Lewis & Clark Overlook, a good ADA accessible connection to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, and wheel upstream to Bateman Island, then downstream through the parks to Columbia Point Marina Park. Continue on the newest section of trail between the U.S. 395 and the Cable bridges.

Pasco: Begin at the recently built trailhead at West A and 25th streets. Go downstream to trail's end at the Cable Bridge, then turn around and go upstream through several parks. The trail passes a number of beautiful riverfront homes. See the Pasco Sacajawea State Park section below. These are one of many areas to explore. See maps of the trail.

Richland: Richland's Riverfront Trail is a shady 7-mile section. the Richland Riverfront Trail passes through Leslie Groves and Howard Amon parks; and alongside Aioli’s and Anthony’s Restaurants; the Red Lion, Shilo, Hampton Inn and Courtyard by Marriott hotels and Columbia Point Golf Course; eventually connecting to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail (23-mile Loop Trail) and the Columbia Point Marina.

One possible trip is to begin at Howard Amon Park (Lee Blvd or parking lot near Hampton Inn) and wheel downstream past the riverfront condos, hotels and restaurants of Columbia Point. Then go back upstream to the Port of Hanford, where nuclear submarines cores were unloaded destined for burial at Hanford during the Cold War.

Other Info:

Full Sacagawea Heritage Trail map.

See a list of Richland's Asphalt Class I & 2 trails.

Sacajawea State Park

Directions:

Located five miles southeast of Pasco, Wash., at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers. From Pasco drive east on Hwy. 12 toward Walla Walla. Take a right on Tank Farm Rd. Continue across railroad tracks. The park is at the end of the road.

GPS - 46°12'5.15"N, 119° 2'35.39"W

Features:

Sacajawea State Park is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, a wetlands delta with protected riparian habitat. The park is named for Sacajawea, a Shoshone Indian guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark party.

Completed for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial the paved, 12-foot wide, ADA accessible path is the final link of the regional Sacagawea Heritage Trail along the Columbia River.

Audubon Nature Trail in Columbia Park

Directions:

Located off Hwy 240 in Kennewick. Take State Route 240 to Edison Street and follow signs to the park.

Features:

Birding enthusiasts will enjoy the pungent aroma of big sagebrush as they traverse the Audubon Nature Trail which runs along the Columbia River in Columbia Park.

This wonderful paved trail has raised viewing platforms, nesting platforms, and interpretive signage. Seasonal viewing includes quail and pheasant, chukar, songbird, lesser and greater Canada geese, migrating waterfowl, and nesting birds of the Columbia Basin. The paved trail includes a nature pond for insect and fish viewing. This nature trail is also a great way to view foliage and discover the seasonal changes affecting riparian habitat.

Other:

This nature trail is a long-time project of the Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society. See their Website for other birding and nature opportunities in the area.

Columbia Park Family Fishing Pond

Directions:

Located off Hwy 240 in Kennewick. Take State Route 240 to Edison Street and follow signs to the park.

Features:

Maintained by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Fishing Connection, this pond is a great place to discover several species of warm-water fish-including channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, walleye, crappie and other anadramous species.

A walking trail loops around the pond, and interpretive signage help identify the fish. A peninsula jutting into the pond gives great access to view and fish, and provides a handicapped accessible area. Migrating and nesting waterfowl are found nearby and an occasional beaver will visit the pond to the delight of those fishing. Juveniles (under 15 years old) and holders of disability licenses only.

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

Directions:

McNary NWR is in Burbank WA. From Pasco you must cross the Snake river on US Highway 12 and go a quarter mile Turn left on Maple Street. McNary NWR is 3 tenths of a mile on your left. From Walla Walla turn right at Humorist Road stoplight, go one block and turn left on Lake Road. The Education Center is about 3 tenths of a mile on your left (before you cross the pond). Look closely, as the center looks like an ordinary house from the road. Disabled parking at the base of the ramp to the building.

GPS - 46°13'12.47"N, 118°59'23.62"W

Features:

A paved trail winds gently down to the photo blind, hidden by reeds and rushes. There is a bench under the shade of trees along the way. (There is also a chip path around the pond.)

The photo blind building has benches and ledges for viewers to rest their notebooks on while documenting bird sitings. It serves as a haven from chilly winter winds as well as providing invisibility.

The McNary Wildlife Refuge is located just southeast of Pasco, off US Highway 395, just south of the Snake River, and provides an excellent chance to view many species of animal, songbird, waterfowl, and migratory birds including tundra swans, snow geese, green-winged teals, Northern shoverlers, canvasbacks, redheads, ring-necked ducks and lesser scaup.

The refuge includes 15,000 acres of water and marsh, croplands, grasslands, trees and shrubs, and is an important resting and feeding area in the Pacific Fly-way for up to 100,000 migrating waterfowl. The most favorable viewing opportunities occur between October and December. Nesting activity commences from March through Late July. More than 212 species of bird are regularly sighted at the Refuge, including several endangered species (Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle.) Phone (509) 943-OWL to hear about sightings of rare or unusual birds seen recently.

Other Info:

Designated parking and a paved ramp brings visitors to the north side of the building which allows entry to display rooms and a viewing deck. See more pictures of the refuge.

McNary Dam

Directions:

Access to the navigation locks in Washington via Interstate I-82. East of I-82 at Hwy. 395 and Hwy 730. 25 miles south of Kennewick. One mile east of Umatilla, Oregon, on Highway 730, and take the McNary Dam Road.

Features:

McNary Dam is one of four dams on the Columbia River where the river shapes the border between Washington and Oregon. A great place to view migrating salmon and other fish.

Take the nature trail, see the boat locks or join a guided tour of the powerhouse and fish ladder.

Other Info:

McNary Dam also features the Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center. The Pacific Salmon Visitor Information Center deals with the issues of species management. Visitors will view Salmon runs, use interactive computers to simulate Pacific Salmon runs and make tough environmental decisions based on information provided. The "pit tag" area showcases the juvenile fish bypass system, where salmon are separated, sorted by size and species, and prepared for barge transit. The Center also provides information regarding fishing areas, species, and seasons.

On the Oregon side there is accessible fishing at McNary Channel Ponds: Unimproved site. Gravel trail to 6 ponds just below McNary Dam. Flat terrain, pleasant setting. Drive west beyond Fish Viewing Window. Trout, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, catfish, and bluegill present.

Ice Harbor Lock & Dam and Visitor Center

Directions:

Located on Highway 12 just outside Pasco. From Burbank, travel 8 miles east on Washington Hwy. 124 to reach Ice Harbor Lock and Dam.

Features:

Ice Harbor Lock & Dam and Visitor Center is at the confluence of the Snake River and Lake Sacajawea. Visitors can watch as boat and barge traffic passes through the 2nd largest navigational lock in the world! Watch the migrating fish from the viewing room, or tour the powerhouse and learn more about the how electricity is generated. American Indian Exhibits and artifacts on display, and a petroglyph (native Indian rock carving) memorial overlooks the dam. Dam open year round, Visitor Center, April-September. Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Highway 12, Pasco (509) 547-7781

Other:

Lake Sacajawea offers water fun and relaxation. The landscape is characteristic of wide-open vistas with few trees while the climate is arid. Popular activities include boating, camping, swimming, water skiing, hunting and fishing. Recreation facilities range from full service campgrounds and picnic areas to undeveloped remote beaches. The Tri-Cities is about 15 minutes to the west on Highway 12.

Zintel Canyon Trail

Directions:

North Canyon - 704 S. Vancouver; South Canyon - 2401 S. Ely Street in Kennewick

Take SR-395 (North) to W. 7th Ave. East on 7th. The trailhead is in the southwest corner of West 7th Avenue & South Vancouver Street. The trail extends south down the canyon to South Anderson Street & on to West 15th Avenue.

Features:

Sixty-eight acres of natural area with a 1.3 mile walking trail. The trail is located along a ravine in the heart of the city. Much of the trail is covered in wood chips or gravel, but the city of Kennewick was granted monies to make this a paved trail so keep an eye on this one. Irrigation water that runs down the canyon six months of the year offers a wetlands that attracts waterfowl and upland birds.

ALE Reserve at Hanford

Directions:
This area is best viewed as part of the Columbia River Journey's jet boat tour of the Hanford Reach. 800.201.7202. This is not a trail, but it is included for a possible attraction if you are in the area.

Features:

The Arid Lands Field Institute offers field seminars to discover the native plants and animals of the Columbia Basin. Discover Chinook Salmon, Monarch Butterflies, Rocky Mountain Elk, and more! One of the best places to discover these native species is on the Arid Lands Ecology (ALE) Reserve at Hanford -- the largest remaining native shrub-steppe eco-system in the world! This area is also home to the Hanford Reach-the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River in the United States. The Reach retains many characteristics of vegetation and wildlife lost elsewhere, including the last significant fall chinook spawning habitat in the mainstream river.

Tapteal Greenway / Chamna Natural Preserve

Directions:

Tapteal Greenway - various access points along this corridor.

Chamna Natural Preserve - located in south Richland adjacent to Drywall Supply and Inland Paving. Take the Aaron street exit off highway 240 or George Washington Way. At Beaver Bark, take the overpass and turn right at the T. Proceed down the slope to the Chamna stone sign, follow the unmarked pavement to the right onto the parking lot at the end of the road.

Horn Rapids Park - located approximately 10 miles west of Richland along highway 240. Take the Vernita exit once you travel around Richland on highway 240. Head North West for approx.10 miles and take the first exit (left) after Wannwish dam to go to Benton City. As you go down the first hill Horn Rapids Park is located on your left at the bottom of the hill. This is a Benton County park with partnerships that include the Tapteal Greenway. Take a left at the entrance and a right into the first parking lot and one of our kiosks awaits you near the restroom.

Features:

The Tapteal Greenway is the 30-mile corridor along and including the Yakima River extending from Kiona Bend at Benton City to the mouth of the river at Bateman Island in Richland. This corridor has a variety of habitats ranging from arid shrub-steppe to lush emergent marshlands.

Unfortunately as of August 2008, it is not ADA accessible. The majority of the trails are less than 5% grade, but have soft surfaces varying from large to small bark chips, some embedded river rock and sand. The greenway is constantly upgrading trails so trail conditions may change - visit the Tapteal Greenway organization for details.

Horn Rapids Park (photo right) is a Benton County park within the Tapteal Greenway.

Chamna Natural Preserve has one short ADA trail that leaves the Chaman Natural Preserve parking lot in Richland and travels to a stopping point near the Yakima River. This trail is phase one of a planned large scale ADA trail in the Chamna Preserve. The City of Richland is currently seeking funds to complete this ADA trail. The preserve has a mix of cottonwoods and willows in the riparian areas by the Yakima River as well as having some more desert like grasses and flora. The habitat and shoreline viewpoints offer observation of many kinds of native birds and migrating waterfowl and occasionally beaver, river otter, mule deer, and snakes. Chamna is home to at least one osprey family. See a Quicktime panorama of Chamna Preserve.