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Location and Overview
Hanford Reach National Monument is located in southeastern Washington State along the Columbia River. It preserves the last free-flowing non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River in the United States, offering a mix of unique desert shrub-steppe habitat, river canyon landscapes, and historical sites.
Natural Features
The monument is known for its rugged terrain, including basalt cliffs, riverbanks, and sandy beaches. It hosts a rare shrub-steppe ecosystem home to diverse plant species and wildlife such as mule deer, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species including the bald eagle.
Historical Significance
Hanford Reach encompasses portions of the Hanford Site, an area historically used for plutonium production during the Manhattan Project in World War II. The monument protects cultural resources and Cold War-era facilities alongside natural features.
Recreation Activities
Visitors to Hanford Reach can enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and photography. The monument offers designated trails and viewing areas to experience the beauty and solitude of this relatively untouched environment.
Conservation and Management
Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Energy, Hanford Reach National Monument emphasizes the preservation of its natural and cultural resources while allowing limited public access to maintain its pristine condition.
Last updated: Sun May 18, 2025
