Photographic Journey: Capturing the Beauty of Tri‑Cities Rivers

What makes the Tri-Cities so incredibly beautiful? Is it the enchanting view of rolling golden hills bathed in warm sunlight? Maybe it's the infectious smiles of people enjoying themselves at a neighborhood park. One thing that never fails to capture our attention, regardless of the season, is the trio of rivers that the Tri-Cities generously offers to visitors, residents, and local habitats, providing a constant source of joy.

Community Showcase and Photo Extravaganza!

When we reached out to the community to showcase how they embrace the beauty of our rivers, we were absolutely blown away by the overwhelming turnout of photo submissions! It's crystal clear that the rivers and the scenic riverside parks are cherished by Tri-Citians. Let's dive into what these wonderful people have to say...

Whether you're enjoying lively daytime activities or unwinding with relaxing evening strolls, the river always has a way of meeting you there. And guess what's the latest trend? Night paddle boarding on the Columbia River in massive groups... with headlamps! We need to check that out! Keep scrolling for photos of night paddle boarding plus more.

How do you enjoy the river?

Birding by canoe in the Yakima River Delta

Richelle’s catch — a Columbia River Salmon!

A fam canoeing the Columbia River

“We love skipping stones!”

Some Snake River fishing

Group paddle boarding along White Bluffs

Moonlight paddle boarding sesh in Kennewick

“We were wake surfing the Snake River!”

Paddle boarding the Columbia River near White Bluffs

Andrea was ​“canoeing on the river with our yellow lab.”

River Wildlife Spectacle: A Snapshot of Nature's Beauty!

We didn’t just receive the coolest shots of Tri-Cities residents having a blast in the river; we were also treated to a delightful surprise – a bustling community of local wildlife reveling in the water channels they proudly call home! Take a look at these snapshots…

The above photo was submitted by Mark Rogers!! An incredible shot of a group of pelicans taken at Wye Park Boat Dock in Richland, Washington. Pelicans are commonly seen in the Columbia River, but shots like this are hard to come by.

Wildlife photos submitted by Jeff Wiberg:

Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Heron in the Yakima River Delta

Pelicans in the Yakima River Delta

Cormorant and Catfish in the Yakima River

Red-Winged Blackbird in the Yakima River Delta

River Beauty Shots!

We've observed people paddleboarding, boating, and strolling through the riverside parks. We have witnessed pelicans gracefully swimming on a sun-drenched day and more birds leisurely idling atop the river. Yet, it's essential to acknowledge that the river itself is a gem! Peek at these photo submissions that serve as a reminder of the breathtaking views right here in the Tri-Cities.

The above pic was submitted by Deni Starnes. They were coasting in their kayak taking in the beautiful day at the mouth of the Yakima River near Bateman Island.

Don't have a kayak of your own? Look into renting one at OATIS Outdoor Adventure Rentals, Greenies, or KayakBateman.com. They offer kayak and paddle board rentals, encouraging people to enjoy outdoor activities!

Check out these year round views!

A snapshot of the Columbia River looking north from the White Bluffs Trail

The Railroad Bridge over the Yakima River

Fall morning at Leslie Groves Park

The Clover Island Lighthouse in Kennewick

“We love hanging out by the river!”

Snapshot near White Bluffs

Photo taken at Two Rivers Park in Finley

The Cable Bridge taken from Pasco’s perspective as the fog rolls in

Captured during an evening run through Chiawana Park

And we cannot mention the river without showcasing the glorious sunsets and sunrises that reflect off the water’s surface. Look at these spectacular moments captured by our enthusiastic community...

The above photo was submitted by Joan Lucas! A stunning shot of the Cable Bridge at Sunset.

For a fresh perspective on the river and those mesmerizing sunsets, consider hopping aboard Water2Wine Cruises. Picture this: lounging on the cruise, sipping a merlot. 🍷 Now, that's what we call pure luxury! If you're craving more breathtaking sunrise and sunset shots, just keep scrolling – we've got plenty in store for you!

A little bit of golden hour!

Sunrise between Pasco and Kennewick

A Cable Bridge sunset

A classic Howard Amon sunrise

Sunrise on the Columbia from paddle boarding at Clover Island

Sunset on the Columbia while ​“fishing for Kings!”

Howard Amon Park at sunrise

Pic taken from Howard Amon Park

As we wrap up this journey celebrating the views, we ask "How do you enjoy the river?" Continue to share your personal river escapades and moments of bliss by tagging #visittricities on our Facebook and Instagram.

This blog is proudly brought to you by Bechtel, the Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council (TREC) Sponsor. Are you familiar with TREC? The Council, a program of Visit Tri-Cities, is comprised of the local jurisdictions and the driving force behind helping communities rediscover the beauty of their river shores, emphasizing ongoing efforts in restoration, development, and enhancement activities. As we've just witnessed the sheer beauty of the river, it's evident that their continuous involvement plays a significant part in shaping our riverside community.

Thank you Bechtel for your sponsorship of the Tri-Cities Rivershore Enhancement Council (TREC)!

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