Columbia Point

■Mileage: 3 miles, variable
■Difficulty: Easy
■Elevation: no elevation gain, set at about 300 feet above sea level

Warning: Standing and running water, use caution with children.

View Columbia Point in a larger map

The trailhead to the Columbia Point hike is in Richland. From Highway 240 or Interstate 182, take the George Washington Way exit. Heading north into town, turn right at the first light onto Columbia Point Drive at the Winco supermarket. Follow Columbia Point Drive to the end and park. The trail goes right under the twin bridges and out to Columbia Point.

Columbia Point is believed to be the former home to the indian village of Chamna. The Wanapum, Yakima and Walla Walla indians would harvest salmon from runs on the Yakima River. The 230 acre area was open to vehicle and off-road vehicle traffic but is now closed to motorized vehicles. Several dirt and paved roads and trails meander all over Columbia point. This is a pleasant, easy hike that can easily progress up to 8 miles if you are the explorer type. The path I mapped on my GPS you see above takes about an hour (with a little picture taking and birdwatching time built in). It mainly sticks to old roads and some bike trails. As you look at the Google Earth image, you can see there is plenty more ground available to explore to the east.

As you come under the twin, I-182 bridges, you can stay to the left and follow the road that runs along the shore of the Columbia River. As you reach the tip of the point, you have a great view of the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia rivers. You can look out to Kennewick and Columbia Park and just downstream to Bateman Island where another popular hike is located.You can plan on seeing plenty of bird life and activity on this hike. As you follow the dirt trail/road around the point, you’ll come across a roughly paved road. Turn left and go about 100 yards to a road that goes left (or east) through two of the large boulders lining the side of the road. This is the gateway to the more densely vegetated part of Columbia Point and criss-crossing roads and trails that can keep you busy for hours! This is a very pleasant hike and, like most of the hikes we have on Hike Tri-Cities.com, this one is a short drive from civilization for easy access.