Sacagawea Heritage Trail

This 23-mile paved trail runs through the cities of Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick. Showcasing interpretive areas, the trail was conceived of and built to be an amenity for locals and an attraction for visitors. Dedicated to the woman who helped Lewis and Clark complete their expedition, the trail displays the stark shrub steppe environment, and the mighty Columbia River in a lovely outing accessible to all.

Beginning in Sacajawea State Park, it loops along the Columbia River through all three Tri-Cities, making a large lollipop and, rejoining the main track around mile 4. The trail boasts interpretive signs regarding natural history, culture, and historic events in this area.

The trail is generally well-marked with mileage and interpretive signs, but note that "mile 0" is not in the State Park as you might expect. Some use the the REACH interpretive center as a substitute starting point. This has the double advantage of being an excellent diversion after your hike, since the center is chock full of even more interpretive history and fascinating exhibits.

Despite its proximity to the Columbia, water sources are scarce along the way. Refill water bottles in parks, since you'll pass many along the 23-mile paved trail. There was a delightful amount of birds along the Columbia River, Lake Wallula, and couple of Wildlife Preserves along the way.

The north end of the trail are quieter and more scenic; as you cross the I-82 bridge to loop back through the second half, you'll have a few miles of beautiful river and park scenery to your left and cars flying by on the freeway to your right before you enter generally more developed and busier riverfront parks.