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The Tri-Cities
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Explore the Tri-Cities of Washington for river trails, Columbia Valley wine, desert landscapes and the layered history of Hanford.

The Tri-Cities are a closely connected urban area in south-eastern Washington formed by Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, with neighbouring West Richland often included in the wider destination. The communities meet at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers, where broad watercourses cut through an arid landscape of basalt, sagebrush and irrigated farmland. This is eastern Washington rather than the evergreen, mountain-dominated northwest often associated with the state: summers are hot and dry, winters are relatively cool, and the open skies give the region a distinct High Desert character.
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The rivers shape both the scenery and the visitor experience. Columbia Park follows the eastern bank of the Columbia through Kennewick and Richland, offering walking and cycling paths, beaches, boat access and views across the water. In Pasco, Sacajawea State Park occupies a peninsula at the meeting of the Columbia and Snake rivers and interprets the expedition of Lewis and Clark, which passed through the area in 1805 and 1806. Beyond the urban corridor, the Hanford Reach National Monument protects one of the Columbia's last free-flowing stretches in the United States, along with shrub-steppe habitat and important wildlife areas.
The region's modern identity is closely tied to science and engineering. During the Second World War, Richland became a centre of the Manhattan Project, while the nearby Hanford Site later played a major role in nuclear weapons production and remains one of the largest environmental clean-up projects in the country. The B Reactor, the world's first full-scale plutonium production reactor, is accessible through scheduled tours associated with the Manhattan Project National Historical Park. The REACH Museum in Richland provides broader context, linking Indigenous history, agriculture, science, industry and the complex legacy of Hanford.
Agriculture thrives wherever irrigation reaches the dry interior, producing grapes, apples, cherries, asparagus and other crops. More than a dozen wineries and tasting rooms in and around the Tri-Cities form part of the wider Columbia Valley wine scene, with Red Mountain immediately west of the urban area offering a particularly important viticultural landscape. Local dining ranges from Mexican and Pacific Northwest cooking to breweries, cafés, riverfront restaurants and produce-led menus. Visitors can combine museum visits and historic interpretation with boating, fishing, birdwatching, cycling, golf and walks through the basalt-and-sagebrush countryside, while allowing time to understand the distinct character of each city.

Getting to and around The Tri-Cities

How to get there

Tri-Cities Airport is in Pasco and provides the region's principal commercial air connection, with onward links to larger US aviation hubs rather than a broad range of direct international flights. Visitors arriving from overseas commonly connect through a major US airport and continue to Pasco. The area is also accessible by road via Interstate 182, US 395, US 12 and State Route 240; driving from Seattle or Portland is a substantial journey. Amtrak service is available at nearby Pasco through the Chicago–Portland/Seattle route, while long-distance rail connections require planning around the limited schedule.

Transportation

A car is useful for reaching wineries, river access points, trailheads and Hanford-related sites spread beyond the central cities. Local public buses serve Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and surrounding communities, but service is less convenient for rural attractions and vineyard-hopping than for urban trips. Taxis and app-based rides may be available, though visitors should not assume immediate coverage outside the main built-up areas. The Three Rivers Trail system and Columbia Park support cycling and walking, while bridges and busy arterial roads mean cyclists should plan routes carefully.

Top city travel guides in The Tri-Cities

The cities of The Tri-Cities, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in The Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities offer an unusual blend of river recreation, scientific history, agriculture and open-country landscapes. The REACH Museum in Richland introduces the area's geology, Indigenous heritage, irrigation, Hanford story and natural environment, while scheduled visits associated with the Manhattan Project National Historical Park provide access to the historic B Reactor when tours are operating. Sacajawea State Park in Pasco combines Lewis and Clark interpretation with shoreline, trails, boating and birdwatching at the Columbia–Snake confluence. Columbia Park, stretching through Kennewick and Richland, is the region's principal urban outdoor space, with paths, beaches, boat facilities and broad river views. Beyond the cities, the Hanford Reach National Monument offers shrub-steppe scenery, wildlife habitat and one of the Columbia's last free-flowing sections, though access and road conditions require planning. Wineries and tasting rooms add a strong agricultural dimension, while Badger Mountain, local golf courses, museums and seasonal river activities provide further ways to experience the dry interior landscape.

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Best landmarks in The Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities' most recognisable landmarks are closely linked to rivers, science and the region's planned modern history. The B Reactor at Hanford is an internationally significant industrial landmark: completed during the Manhattan Project, it was the first full-scale reactor built to produce plutonium and now forms part of a nationally interpreted historic site. In Pasco, the confluence landscape at Sacajawea State Park marks the meeting of the Columbia and Snake rivers and commemorates the Lewis and Clark expedition's passage through the area. The Cable Bridge, carrying US 395 across the Columbia between Pasco and Kennewick, is a prominent contemporary feature of the urban skyline. Columbia Park's riverfront paths and shoreline provide a more accessible civic landmark, while Badger Mountain south of Richland forms a visible natural backdrop of basalt, dry grassland and open viewpoints. The Hanford Reach, with its relatively undammed Columbia channel and broad shrub-steppe setting, is the region's defining geographical landmark, though some surrounding land remains restricted or difficult to access.

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Best restaurants in The Tri-Cities

Tri-Cities dining reflects both the agricultural economy and the region's diverse population. Irrigated farms supply cherries, apples, asparagus, grapes and other produce, while Columbia Valley wines appear on menus across Kennewick, Pasco and Richland. Mexican and other Latin American cooking is especially visible in the local food scene, alongside Pacific Northwest restaurants, steakhouses, cafés, bakeries, breweries and casual family dining. Riverfront areas provide settings for relaxed meals, while Pasco's commercial districts and the other cities' suburban centres offer a broad range of independent and national establishments. Farmers' markets and specialist food shops are useful for finding seasonal produce and locally made goods. Wineries may offer tastings or small plates, but visitors should check current arrangements rather than assume every vineyard has a full restaurant. Tipping for table service follows standard US practice, and sales tax is added to displayed prices.

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Best bars in The Tri-Cities

Evening life in the Tri-Cities is centred more on restaurants, breweries, wine tasting and pubs than on a large nightclub circuit. Kennewick, Pasco and Richland each have casual bars and dining venues, while Richland's riverfront and central districts often provide the strongest concentration of places for an evening out. Local breweries and wine-focused venues reflect the surrounding agricultural economy, and live music or community events may add variety depending on the season. Traditional bars, sports venues and lounges generally attract a local clientele, while larger hotels and event spaces sometimes host performances. Nightlife is spread across the metropolitan area, so arranging a designated driver or ride in advance is sensible when combining venues or visiting wineries outside the cities. Opening arrangements and entertainment schedules change, particularly outside peak periods.

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Best nightclubs in The Tri-Cities

Evening life in the Tri-Cities is centred more on restaurants, breweries, wine tasting and pubs than on a large nightclub circuit. Kennewick, Pasco and Richland each have casual bars and dining venues, while Richland's riverfront and central districts often provide the strongest concentration of places for an evening out. Local breweries and wine-focused venues reflect the surrounding agricultural economy, and live music or community events may add variety depending on the season. Traditional bars, sports venues and lounges generally attract a local clientele, while larger hotels and event spaces sometimes host performances. Nightlife is spread across the metropolitan area, so arranging a designated driver or ride in advance is sensible when combining venues or visiting wineries outside the cities. Opening arrangements and entertainment schedules change, particularly outside peak periods.

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Best shops in The Tri-Cities

Shopping in the Tri-Cities is distributed among the commercial centres and high streets of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland rather than concentrated in a single historic retail quarter. Kennewick has the largest range of mainstream shops and services, while Pasco's markets, food businesses and agricultural connections give its retail scene a distinct local character. Richland combines everyday shopping with cafés, galleries, wine-related businesses and riverfront-oriented venues. Farmers' markets, when in season, are good places to look for fruit, vegetables, baked goods, preserves and locally produced specialities, while winery tasting rooms sell Columbia Valley bottles and gift items. Specialist shops and galleries may stock regional art, books, crafts and products inspired by the river or desert landscape. Visitors seeking souvenirs should favour locally made food, wine, artwork or small craft pieces over generic merchandise, and should check seasonal market dates before making a special journey.

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The Tri-Cities essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar (USD), as throughout Washington State and the United States. Credit and debit cards, chip-and-PIN cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and larger attractions. Cash remains useful for small purchases, rural businesses, markets, gratuities and occasional trail or park facilities. Washington applies sales tax, with the final rate varying by local jurisdiction, and displayed prices may not include it. Inform your bank of overseas card use and retain a small amount of US cash as a back-up.
Safety
The main visitor considerations are heat, sun exposure, road distances and outdoor conditions rather than unusual regional hazards. Summer temperatures can be high, and exposed trails around the rivers and shrub-steppe offer little shade, so carry water and protect yourself from the sun. Take care near riverbanks, boat launches and currents, and follow posted rules at parks and wildlife areas. Agricultural and industrial roads may have heavy vehicles, while cyclists and pedestrians should use designated paths where possible. Do not enter restricted Hanford areas or approach marked facilities.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 throughout the Tri-Cities for police, fire or ambulance assistance; the number is part of the United States national emergency system, not a regional service. Give the dispatcher an exact address, road junction or trail location, particularly in sparsely developed areas. For urgent outdoor incidents, 911 can coordinate the appropriate emergency response, but mobile coverage may be inconsistent away from urban areas. Carry navigation, water and a charged phone on longer walks, and report hazards in parks or on trails to the relevant local authority.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect signs, closures and access restrictions around the Hanford Site, wildlife refuges and river facilities, and remain on public land and marked trails. Do follow local boating, fishing and fire regulations, especially during hot, dry weather. At wineries, breweries and restaurants, tipping is customary in the United States for table service, and 15–20 per cent is a common guideline for satisfactory service. Do not remove artefacts, disturb cultural sites or assume that an apparently empty desert landscape is unused. Dress casually for most activities, but bring a warmer layer for evenings and air-conditioned interiors.
Local Tips
For a balanced itinerary, combine one river-focused day with Hanford interpretation, a selection of museums or parks and a separate wine-country outing. Richland is a practical base for the REACH Museum, river paths and access towards Hanford, while Pasco is central to Sacajawea State Park and the airport; Kennewick has extensive shopping, dining and Columbia Park access. Spring and autumn are particularly comfortable for walking and cycling, whereas summer suits early-morning outdoor activity. Check whether a particular Hanford tour, museum programme or park facility requires advance arrangements before travelling.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHi[Hai]
GoodbyeSee ya[See yah]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[Shur thing]
Thank youThanks[Thangs]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[Sorry 'bout that]
How are you?How’s it going?[How's it goin'?]
Fine. And you?Good, you?[Good, you?]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[Do you speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian[I'm vegetarian]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Leave me alone![Leave me alone!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!I need a doctor![I need a doctor!]
I'm lostI’m lost[I’m lost]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[I’m not feelin' well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just browsing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat’s a bit much[That’s a bit much]
Can you lower the price?Can you do better on the price?[Can you do better on the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one[It’s one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the nearest...?[Where’s the nearest...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[What’s the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[Can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[When’s the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A ticket to...]

History of The Tri-Cities

Indigenous River Communities and Ancient Landscapes

The Columbia, Snake and Yakima river confluence has supported Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Peoples including the Wanapum, Umatilla, Nez Perce and Yakama maintained seasonal fishing, hunting, gathering and trading relationships with the rivers and surrounding shrub-steppe. Salmon were central to the region's economy and culture, while the Columbia connected communities across a large part of the interior Northwest. Archaeological evidence and continuing cultural connections remain important to understanding the Tri-Cities, even though dams, industrial development and restricted access have altered many traditional river places.

Lewis and Clark at the Confluence, 1805–1806

The Corps of Discovery travelled through the Tri-Cities area during its journey to the Pacific in 1805 and its return in 1806. The expedition followed the Columbia and Snake rivers and recorded encounters with Indigenous communities, unfamiliar landscapes and the practical challenges of river travel. Sacajawea State Park in Pasco commemorates the location and provides interpretation of the expedition's route. Lewis and Clark did not create the region's history, but their journals became an influential written record of a landscape already shaped by Indigenous societies.

Irrigation, Railways and Agricultural Settlement

From the late nineteenth century, railways, river transport and irrigation transformed the dry interior around the confluence. Projects that diverted Columbia Basin water made large-scale orchards, vineyards and field agriculture possible, while rail connections helped move produce and supplies. Kennewick, Pasco and Richland developed distinct roles within this changing economy: Pasco became an important railway and agricultural centre, Kennewick grew around farming and commerce, and Richland remained smaller until its dramatic wartime expansion. Irrigated agriculture continues to define much of the surrounding landscape.

The Manhattan Project and Wartime Richland

In 1943, the federal government selected the Hanford area for a major Manhattan Project site because of its relative isolation, abundant Columbia River water and access to hydroelectric power. The town of Richland was rapidly expanded to house scientists, engineers and workers involved in producing plutonium for the wartime programme. Existing communities and Indigenous access to parts of the area were heavily disrupted by land acquisition and secrecy. The B Reactor at Hanford produced plutonium used in the Trinity test and the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945.

Cold War Production and a Scientific Economy

After the Second World War, Hanford continued producing plutonium during the Cold War, making the Tri-Cities a major centre of federal research, engineering and nuclear technology. Richland's planned streets, government-built housing and scientific workforce reflected that role, while Kennewick and Pasco expanded alongside it. The area also became associated with national laboratories, contractors and research institutions. This scientific economy brought specialist employment and infrastructure, but it also left a difficult legacy of contamination, secrecy and long-term questions about health, land use and environmental responsibility.

Hanford Clean-up and Public Interpretation

Nuclear production ended at Hanford after the Cold War, and the site entered a prolonged clean-up programme involving contaminated soil, groundwater, buildings and stored waste. The work remains technically complex and has shaped the region's present identity as both an industrial landscape and a place of scientific expertise. Parts of the site are interpreted through the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, while the REACH Museum and public tours help explain the human, environmental and technological dimensions. Hanford's history is therefore presented as a story of achievement, displacement, danger and continuing responsibility.

The Modern Wine and River Recreation Economy

Late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century investment helped strengthen the Tri-Cities as a wine, food, recreation and research destination. Irrigated vineyards expanded across the surrounding Columbia Valley, with the nearby Red Mountain appellation gaining particular recognition for red wines. Riverfront parks, trails, boating facilities and wildlife areas added another layer to the local visitor economy. The result is a region whose contemporary character combines agriculture, outdoor leisure, scientific employment and an unusually visible nuclear-industrial history.

The Tri-Cities in Photos

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