Hanford Reach National Monument, National Monument in Benton County, United States.
Hanford Reach National Monument spans about 196,000 acres along the Columbia River, featuring desert landscapes and white bluffs across eastern Washington. An unobstructed section of river flows freely here without dams, creating a rare natural corridor through an otherwise engineered landscape.
This land served as a security zone for the Hanford Nuclear Reservation during World War II and the Cold War, where weapons-grade plutonium was manufactured. After nuclear production ended, the site was protected to preserve its natural features and river ecosystem.
The Wanapum and Yakama Nation have harvested salmon and gathered plants here for generations through seasonal camps. Traces of these practices remain visible across the land today, connecting visitors to a long tradition of resource use.
You can explore the area on hiking trails, boat ramps, and viewing areas, though some sections remain closed for wildlife protection. Check local access rules before visiting, as entry conditions change with the seasons and conservation needs.
The monument protects the last free-flowing, non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River in the United States, running unimpeded through protected lands. This rare open river section shows visitors what the waterway looked like before dams transformed most of its course.
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