Discover Benton
15 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Badger Mountain Westgate Trailhead
Steep trailhead leading to panoramic overlooks above the Columbia River, vineyards and the Tri-Cities — excellent for wide vistas, sunrise/sunset color, and seasonal wildflowers. Trail is free, well-marked, with limited parking at Westgate (arrive early on weekends). Best at golden hour or clear nights for Milky Way; spring/fall offer milder temps and bloom/foliage. Expect a 1–2 hour climb to main overlooks; bring water and sun protection.
Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery
Rolling vine rows, tasting-room architecture and Columbia River vistas make Goose Ridge ideal for classic vineyard landscapes, seasonal harvest detail shots, and sunset silhouettes. Best at golden hour (sunrise for soft backlight along rows; sunset for warm river-side backdrops). Accessible by car with onsite parking; tasting room may require purchase or reservation for tours—check hours. Weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring bloom, harvest Sep–Oct) reduce crowds. Drone use requires permission.
Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead
A short, steep basalt ridge offering sweeping panoramas over the Columbia River, vineyards and the Tri‑Cities — excellent for wide landscapes, layered ridgelines, wildflower foregrounds in spring, and dramatic sunsets. Trailhead has a small parking area with no permit required; trails are exposed and unshaded so bring water. Best light at sunrise or sunset; weekdays avoid crowds. Clear weather yields long views; winter can offer crisp air and low-angle light.
Candy Mountain Summit
Short, steep hike to a rocky summit with sweeping panoramas over the Columbia and Yakima river valleys, Rattlesnake Mountain and the Tri-Cities. Photographers get dramatic sunrise and sunset skies, seasonal wildflowers in spring, and textured basalt outcrops for foreground interest. Trailhead parking off Candy Mountain Road is limited; no fee. Best light is golden hour; expect windy conditions and a 1.5–2 mile roundtrip hike with uneven terrain.
Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve
A short but steep hike to a basalt summit with sweeping panoramas over the Columbia River, Yakima Valley, vineyards and layered ridgelines. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and long shadows; clear nights offer Milky Way views. Trailhead parking on Queensgate Dr; no fees. Trail is exposed—carry water, wind can be strong, and trail can be icy in winter. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Two Rivers Park
Riverside park at the confluence of local waterways offering wide river vistas, sandbars, cottonwood-lined banks and migratory birdlife. Best at golden hour and during spring/fall migrations for dramatic light and wildlife. Easy roadside parking, no fee; paved trails and informal riverbanks offer accessible viewpoints. Weekday mornings are quieter. Check seasonal water levels and local drone/permit rules.
Candy Mountain
Short, steep trail to a rocky summit with sweeping views over the Yakima/Columbia River valleys, vineyards and basalt ridges. Best for sunrise and sunset panoramas, seasonal wildflowers and dramatic skyscapes. Trailhead off Canyon Lakes Drive; ~1–1.5 mile roundtrip, ~350 ft gain—parking is limited on weekends, no entry fee. Spring for flowers, fall for warm tones; bring water and sturdy shoes.
Kitzke Cellars
Small boutique winery set among rolling vineyards near the Columbia River — shoot vineyard rows, tasting-room details, barrel rooms and golden-hour sunsets. Best in late summer–early fall for vine colors; arrive at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and long shadows. Rural property with parking; check tasting-room hours and reservation requirements. Weekdays are quieter; summer days can be hot, bring sun protection.
75509 Washington Highway 225
Rural stretch of Highway 225 near Benton City offers wide, open landscapes—rolling agricultural fields, distant ridgelines and big western skies that make dramatic sunrise/sunset shots. Best visited at golden hour for warm side-light on crops and low-angle shadows; late spring brings green fields and wildflowers, autumn offers warm tones. Roadside pullouts allow short hikes; no entry fees but park off the shoulder safely. Expect minimal crowds and changing winds; check weather for clear skies or
Badger Canyon Dogs
A small off-leash dog area at the edge of Badger Canyon offering candid pet-action shots, low scrubland landscapes and wide skies. Best light is golden hour for warm tones on dogs and canyon grasses; weekdays and mornings are quieter. Easy roadside parking; no entry fee. Bring water and leash for arrival/departure. Expect informal local use rather than managed trails—good for natural, documentary-style pet and landscape images.
Uranus Orbital Marker
A quirky roadside marker representing the planet Uranus — great for creative scaleshots, roadside portraiture and pairing a small man-made subject with wide open Washington skies. Easy to access by car with roadside parking; no entry fee. Best at golden hour for warm side-lighting or at night for starfields — rural location offers dark skies. Expect minimal crowds; weather can be windy in spring.
QUAKE Family Fun Center
Photograph dynamic indoor attractions—arcade machines, neon signage, go-karts, mini-golf and family action scenes. Best at evening for colorful lights and motion contrast; weekday afternoons are quieter for staged shots. Low-light interior requires permission for flash; free parking on-site and wheelchair-accessible entrances. Capture candid family fun and graphic patterns from game cabinets and track layouts.
TriCity Bounce
Indoor inflatable play center with bright colors, dynamic action shots and candid portraits of children and families. Best for capturing motion, texture and joyful expressions. Visit during weekday open-play or private parties for varied activity; lighting is mostly fluorescent so expect mixed color temperature. Parking on-site; entry requires admission—get parental consent before shooting. Weekday mornings are less crowded; weekends peak with parties.
1910 Paul Parish Drive
1910 Paul Parish Drive is a residential street corner in Kennewick — useful for architectural and street studies of Pacific Northwest suburban fabric: ranch and split-level homes, mature street trees, sidewalks and wide streets. Easy curbside access and on-street parking; no public attractions or entry required (stay off private property). Best light is golden hour (sunrise east-facing facades, sunset warm side-lighting), and weekday mornings are quiet for clean compositions. Nearby parks and ar
Unofficial Prosser Dog Park
A small, unofficial dog park and open green space along Lincoln Rd in Prosser. Best for candid pet portraits, action shots of dogs in motion, and environmental portraits with a simple rural backdrop. Visit during golden hour for warm side-light and soft shadows; weekday mornings or late afternoons are least crowded. No formal facilities or fees; parking is roadside. Bring water and be prepared for dirt paths and limited shade.