Horn Rapids Park

Horn Rapids is an 800-acre park in Benton County with over five miles of shoreline along the Yakima River. From 1944 to 1947 the site was “Camp Columbia,” a Federal prison work camp for hundreds of American offenders, who worked in nearby orchards and vineyards as part of their sentence.

Today this park includes a picnic area, horse camp, model airplane facility, boat launch, and miles of multi-use trails. It’s popular for fishing, boating, and picnicking. There is also a campground, but it’s currently closed (except for large groups with advance notice). The developed portion of the park is located near the entrance, but undeveloped shrub steppe and riparian environments extend for miles along the river shore.

Before you start your hike, check out the kiosk at the trailhead to learn about the abundant flora and fauna of the region, as well as more history of the parkland. Near the kiosk there is a network of about 0.7 mile of paved trails, and although the asphalt has many cracks, it is otherwise level and smooth. These trails pass by groves of cottonwoods and mature sagebrush. Keep your eyes open for the concrete foundations of Camp Columbia buildings. A walking trail of dirt and packed gravel also winds through the developed part of the park and then continues south along the river, ending at a line of bollards about half a mile farther on.

If you’re enjoying yourself, turn left on the gravel park road and keep walking. There are several side tracks that eventually rejoin the gravel road. A bit less than a mile from the bollards you arrive at a primitive boat launch at an area termed “Omaha Beach.” Just beyond that, there’s a handy bench where you can sit and observe a small island in the river. You’re likely to hear a chorus of songbirds and waterfowl.

The gravel road continues south for another couple of miles as the park narrows; you’ll be
walking parallel to WA 225. The gravel road ends at Upper Horn Rapids, where there’s another boat launch. On the opposite side of the highway is the Rattlesnake Slope Wildlife Area, with many more miles of trails to explore.

Drinking water is not currently available in the park; bring your own.

WTA Pro Tip: The trails in Horn Rapids Park are part of the Tapteal Trail system along the lower Yakima River. The Tapteal Water Trail is in the river itself for those who would rather paddle than hike.