Sunrise on the Columbia from Bateman Island
Directions to this hike
My wonderful wife agreed to accompany me this morning on a trek on Bateman Island. I knew sunrise was at 7:39 a.m. so we had to hustle to get to the northeast shore for a good view of the eastern sky. I could see a break in the clouds on the horizon so I was anticipating a picturesque daybreak. My wife had been on the island before but not me. We did a little trial and error on trail choice and found ourselves on the northeast bank with a good view for the sunrise with about 10 minutes to spare. The sky was already blossoming in vivid pinks, reds and oranges.
Columbia River Sunrise from Bateman Island 2
Columbia Sunrise from Bateman Island 3
Then, a sliver of sun peeked over the horizon and bathed the Tri-Cities in a warm glow. I hope you don’t get bored of sunrise shots, I just hope people will realize the beauty they can experience with a little planning and getting outdoors.
Columbia Sunrise from Bateman Island 4
Since we hurried out to see the sunrise, we kind of meandered our way back. We saw some evidence of the fire that burned many trees on Bateman Island in 2001.
Burned Tree, a Remnant of Bateman Island Fire in 2001
I returned later in the day to follow the loop with my GPS. I went out to the northwest tip of the island, the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers. The force of the flow piled ice up on the shore.
Ice on Northwest Shore of Bateman Island
There were hundreds of birds and a nice view upstream to the I-182 twin bridges.
Looking Upstream from Bateman Island
It was a beautiful, crisp day for hikes on Bateman Island. And thanks to my wife for sharing the sunrise with me.
Sunrise on Bateman Island
Thanks for taking me out today. It was beautiful honey!
Fantastic pictures Paul. Other then the Ice on the shore. All
the others look like Bateman La. Check it out some day.
Just can’t go ashore I don’t think. Private oil co property.
Keep up the good work.
Bateman Island is a great place; beautiful and peaceful! I walk my dog there almost daily in the cold winter months but avoid it completely in the warmer months due to the incredible wood tick population! Be aware of this, especially if you take your pet or even small children there during the Spring/Summer/Fall.