Discover Richland
52 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Badger Mountain Trailhead
Badger Mountain Trailhead grants access to a short but steep hike up a basalt butte with sweeping panoramas of the Columbia River, vineyards, Tri-Cities and rolling shrub-steppe. Best for sunrise and sunset golden-hour vistas, expansive skies and silhouette shots. Trailhead at 1294 White Bluffs St has parking (space fills on weekends); trail is well-marked, moderately steep (~3.3 mi round-trip to the summit). Expect wind, rapid temperature changes and crowded weekends — weekdays or early morning
Badger Mountain Community Park
Badger Mountain Community Park offers high, juniper‑dotted ridgelines with sweeping panoramas of the Columbia River, orchards and the Tri‑Cities — ideal for wide landscape and sunset shots. Trails are well‑maintained but uphill; parking is available at the trailhead with no entry fee. Best light is at sunrise and especially sunset for warm sidelighting and long shadows; spring and fall give cooler temps and clearer air. Weekday mornings avoid crowds; bring water and sun protection in summer. The
Riverview Natural Preserve
Riverview Natural Preserve offers Columbia River vistas, riverside marshes, riparian trees and seasonal wildflowers — strong for birdlife, reflections and intimate landscape scenes. Trails and viewpoints are accessible from Columbia Point Dr with small parking areas; open daylight hours and typically free. Best at golden hour for warm river light and sunset silhouettes; spring and fall bring migrating birds. Expect easy walking trails, some uneven surfaces; weekdays are quieter.
Tapteal Water Trail
A lowland river and wetland trail along the Yakima/Columbia confluence offering calm water reflections, reed-lined shorelines, migrating waterfowl and open-sky panoramas. Best at golden hour or overcast for muted tones; early mornings bring active birds and glassy water. Easy access with multiple trailheads and small parking lots; mostly flat, walkable paths and no entry fee. Seasonal changes (spring migration, autumn colors) make repeat visits rewarding.
DTMX Racing Motorcross Park
DTMX Racing Motorcross Park offers high-action motocross racing, practice sessions and dramatic airborne jumps framed by open sky and dusty tracks. Photograph riders launching off berms, close-up helmet and bike detail, and broad arena-wide panoramas. Best light is late afternoon/ golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows; weekdays or early mornings are quieter for practice shots. Rural location with ample parking; check event schedule and obtain track/media permission—access during races
Desert Rim Park
Open rim-top park overlooking the Columbia Basin with wide desert scrub, basalt outcrops and long views perfect for sweeping landscape compositions and sunset panoramas. Best at golden hour (sunrise and sunset) for warm light and contrast; spring brings wildflowers, winters can be windy. Easy street parking; no fee. Trails are short and mostly accessible but wear sun protection and water. Weekday mornings are quieter.
Hanford Reach Solar System: Saturn
Saturn is a life‑size planet model on the Riverfront Trail beside the Columbia River — great for combining public art with riverscape compositions. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for warm side‑lighting and reflections on the river. The paved, flat trail is bike‑friendly and wheelchair‑accessible; parking is available at nearby Columbia Park trailheads. No entry fee; weekdays are quieter. Part of the Hanford Reach Solar System scale walk, it’s both educational and photogenic.
Chamna Natural Preserve
Chamna Natural Preserve offers rolling sagebrush, basalt outcrops and sweeping Columbia River vistas — ideal for wide panoramas, textured foregrounds and birdlife. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm side-light on cliffs; spring brings wildflowers, fall adds golden tones. Trails are short and moderately easy; parking available at trailheads off Hambleton Rd. Expect wind and rapid light changes—bring layers. No entry fee; check local maps for access points and seasonal closures.
Tapteal Greenway
Tapteal Greenway offers riverside trails, wetlands and open fields along the Columbia River — ideal for landscape, waterscape and bird photography. Expect reflective water, seasonal wildflowers and wide skies. Best at sunrise or golden hour for low-angle light and color; evenings bring dramatic sunsets. Many trailheads have parking and flat, accessible paths; some sections are unpaved. Spring and fall are best for migrating birds; winter offers stark minimalist scenes. No entry fee; respect duck
Columbia Point Marina Park
Small riverside park and marina on the Columbia River offering docks, moored boats, open lawns and long river vistas. Prime for golden-hour sunsets with strong reflections, boat silhouettes and seasonal watercraft activity. Easily reached from Riverfront Trail with paved paths and parking; wheelchair‑friendly. No entry fee. Best visited at sunrise or especially sunset for dramatic skies; weekdays are quieter.
USS Triton Park
A riverside memorial park featuring the sail and conning tower of the Cold War-era USS Triton set against the Columbia River and nearby industrial port — strong graphic shapes, metal textures and river reflections make compelling study. Easy street parking and flat walkways; open access year-round with no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-lighting and reflections; weekdays and early mornings avoid local visitors. Summer offers long golden hours; wind can affect reflections.
Manhattan Project National Historical Park Hanford; Branch B Reactor--Headquarters
The B Reactor is a monumental Cold War-era industrial interior and exterior—corrugated steel, massive pipes, catwalks and control rooms offer graphic, geometric compositions and moody low-light scenes. Tours are required (book in advance through the Hanford Reach Visitor Center); expect ID checks and limited group sizes. Parking available at the visitor center; site has stairs and some confined areas. Best photographed at golden hour for exterior contrast or on guided tours for interior details;
The Delta
Riverine delta and wetland near the Columbia River offering wide water channels, reed beds, migratory birdlife and expansive skies — excellent for reflections, minimalist landscapes and wildlife. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and low-angle reflections; calm mornings reduce wind chop. Accessible via nearby trailheads with roadside parking; no entry fee. Spring and fall bring migratory birds; summer offers long golden hours. Expect flat terrain and easy walking paths; bring insect repen
Jefferson Park
Small riverfront park on the Columbia with shoreline, mature trees, open lawns and a boat launch—good for reflections, river panoramas and golden-hour skies. Easy free parking on George Washington Way; wheelchair-accessible paths. No entry fee. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and cloud reflections; spring brings blossoms and fewer crowds on weekdays. Watch for recreational boats that add scale and motion.
Hills Community Park
Small hilltop park offering wide panoramic views over Richland, the Columbia River and surrounding ridges — strong for golden-hour vistas, cityscape silhouettes and seasonal wildflowers. Easy access with roadside parking and short paved trails; generally open to public with no entry fee. Visit at sunrise or sunset for dramatic light; weekdays or early mornings reduce jogger/cyclist traffic. Weather can be windy; bring layers.
Overlook Park
Small bluff-top park offering sweeping panoramic views across the Columbia River and surrounding Tri-Cities valleys — excellent for river vistas, sunset skies, and seasonal light. Easy roadside parking at Fairwood Ct; short, mostly paved access paths make it accessible for quick shoots. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side light and reflections; weekdays avoid local walkers. No entry fee; expect wind and variable weather.
Riverfront Trail Seating Area
Small seating area on the Riverfront Trail with open Columbia River views, shoreline reflections and walking-path leading lines. Ideal for sunrise/sunset color, long exposures of flowing water and environmental portraiture. Flat, paved access and nearby parking at trailheads make it wheelchair- and tripod-friendly. Visit early weekdays for calm water and few people; spring/fall offer richer light and migratory bird activity. No entry fee.
Chaparral Park
Small community park with open grass, walking trails and wide skies — good for landscape, seasonal wildflower and bird photography. Easy access from Timmerman Dr with on-site parking and paved paths; no entry fee. Best at golden hour for warm light and long shadows; spring brings blooms and migratory waterfowl. Weekday mornings are quieter; weather is typically clear, producing dramatic skies at sunset.
McMurray Park
Small riverside park with paved paths, lawns, and boat launch offering wide Columbia River vistas and open skies — good for sunrise/sunset reflections, long exposures of water, and environmental portraits. Free parking, easy wheelchair-accessible paths, no entry fee. Visit golden hour for warm light; spring/fall bring richer colors. Weekdays and early mornings have fewer visitors.
Jason Lee Park
Small riverfront park on the Columbia offering wide river vistas, shoreline reflections, walking paths and picnic areas — ideal for sunset silhouettes, water reflections and low-angle compositions. Easy public access with on-site parking, paved trails and no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light, or late afternoon for west-facing sunsets; weekdays are quieter. Expect casual local use—respect picnic areas and dog-walkers.
REACH Museum
Photograph a compact modern museum with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Columbia River, interpretive galleries (ice‑age fossils, Hanford/Manhattan Project) and a riverside monument on the adjacent trail. Best visited weekday mornings for quiet interior shooting; golden hour and sunset light the patio and river. On-site parking and paid admission; check museum rules for tripod/flash. Spring and fall add foliage color along the trail. Cultural context: sensitive nuclear history—t
Trailhead Park
Small riverfront park with paved trails, river and oxbow viewpoints, scrubland and riparian habitat — good for river landscapes, reflections, migratory birds and sunset colors. Easy access from Queensgate Dr with free parking and no entry fee; paved and dirt trails suitable for most gear. Best at golden hour (sunrise for soft east light on water, sunset for warm skies). Weekdays and early mornings have fewer people; spring and fall offer migratory birds and richer colors.
Earth Orbital Marker
Small public marker celebrating Earth's orbit set against expansive Columbia Basin skies. Shoot the orb as an abstract sculpture with wide prairie vistas, dramatic sunsets, or starry night skies. Easy roadside access and informal parking; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or after dark for Milky Way shots; weekdays have fewer passersby. Expect clear, dry conditions most of year—bring layers for wind.
Leslie Groves Park
Small riverfront park on the Columbia with paved trails, grassy overlooks and shoreline access — good for wide river vistas, reflections, migrating waterfowl and dramatic skies. Easy parking and flat paths make it accessible; visit at sunrise or late afternoon for best light. Weekdays are quieter; seasonal waterfowl in spring/fall and golden-hour sunsets over the river make it special.
W.E. Johnson Park
Small riverfront park on the Columbia River offering open lawns, river vistas, riparian trees and a shoreline trail — great for water reflections, long exposures of the river and sunset skies. Easy access with roadside parking and picnic areas; no entry fee. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and reflections; weekdays/early mornings avoid families and dog walkers. Trails and low cliffs give varied vantage points; watch for wind off the river and seasonal changes in foliage.
John Dam Plaza
Riverside plaza on the Columbia River offering wide water views, reflections, walkways, public art and the nearby cable bridge — good for sunset and golden-hour panoramas. Free public access and nearby street parking; ADA paths make it easy to scout. Weekday mornings or late evenings reduce crowds; summer gives long golden hours, winter can yield dramatic skies.
Buchanan Park
Small riverfront park on the Columbia River offering shoreline, walking paths and open skies — ideal for river and landscape shots, birdlife during migration and long reflections at golden hour. Easy free access with roadside parking and paved paths; no entry fee. Visit sunrise or sunset for warm light and calm water; weekdays are quieter. Weather is typically dry in summer, windy in spring/fall.
Badger Mountain Organic Winery
Small organic winery with rows of vines, rustic tasting room and open views of the Tri‑Cities landscape. Photograph vine patterns, textured trellis lines, seasonal foliage and visitors sampling wine. Best light is golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm tones; weekdays and mornings bring fewer guests. Property is accessible from N Jurupa St with on-site parking; call ahead for tasting-room hours or event closures. Dress for wind in open fields and respect private areas during harvest.
Badger Mountain Village Duck Pond
Small neighborhood pond popular for ducks, waterfowl and reflective compositions. Shoot calm mirrored reflections, duck behavior, boardwalks and surrounding trees. Best at sunrise or late golden hour for warm light and low reflections; spring for ducklings and fall for color. Easily accessible off Lakerose Loop with roadside parking and paved paths; no entry fee. Weekdays are quieter; light breeze affects reflections.
Lawless Park
Small neighborhood park with river overlook and open lawns offering clean compositions of water, sky and distant bluffs. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light on the river; clear evenings give strong sunsets. Easy on-foot access and free street parking; no entry fees. Spring and fall add color; weekday mornings are least crowded. Paths and benches make tripod setup simple.
Saturn Orbital Marker
Saturn Orbital Marker is a modern public sculpture along Richland’s Riverfront Trail with Columbia River and bridge views. Photograph the marker with river reflections, trail leading lines and regional sky at golden hour. Accessible via trailheads with free parking; flat, wheelchair-friendly paths. Best at sunrise/sunset for dramatic light and fewer people; weekdays quieter.
Public Fishing access and parking
Small public fishing access on the Columbia River shoreline offering river vistas, boat traffic, reflections and rippled water textures. Best for sunrise/sunset color and long exposures of flowing water; easy roadside parking and wheelchair-accessible ramps in parts. No entry fee; expect light crowds on weekdays and more anglers at dawn. Wind can change reflections—check forecast.
Stevens Park
Small community park with open lawns, mature trees, walking paths and a pond — offers simple landscape scenes, reflections, seasonal color and intimate urban-nature frames. Easy street parking and public access; best light at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) and on clear or partly cloudy days. Weekday mornings are quieter; bring weather-appropriate gear for wind or dew.
Atomic Escape Rooms
Photograph richly themed indoor sets, props and close-up puzzle details at Atomic Escape Rooms — great for storytelling, texture and moody low-light shots. Book a private or post-game session to shoot the rooms without players; weekdays and earlier/evening off-peak sessions minimize crowds. Location has street parking; reservations required for gameplay. Ask staff permission before photographing during active games and be mindful of other guests.
Lynnwood Park
Small riverside park on the Columbia near Richland, offering shoreline, river vistas, walking paths and mature trees — good for tranquil landscape and waterscape shots. No entry fee; small parking areas or street parking. Best at sunrise or golden-hour sunset for warm light on the water, or late afternoon for backlit foliage. Accessible paths and benches make tripod setups easy; expect light recreational use on weekends.
PNNL Picnic Grounds
Small riverside picnic area near the PNNL campus with Columbia River views, open sky and scrubby Pacific Northwest foregrounds. Best for golden-hour river landscapes, cloudscapes and quiet environmental portraits. Easy roadside parking, wheelchair-accessible paths, no entry fees; weekdays and early morning reduce people. Light is strongest at sunrise/sunset; summer offers long blue-hour skies, spring brings wildflowers.
Oak Park
Small community park with mature oaks, open lawns and river-adjacent views — good for intimate nature and landscape shots, seasonal color, and local birdlife. Easy access with street parking on Mahan Ave, no entry fee. Best at golden hour or just after sunrise for warm light and long shadows; weekdays are quieter. Weather is typically dry in summer; bring shade in midday. Accessible paths and simple facilities make gear transport easy.
Venus Orbital Marker
Small outdoor marker along the Columbia Park Trail marking Venus in the community’s solar-system walk. Photograph the marker with the Columbia River and walking path to show scale and local context. Easy, flat access from nearby parking; no entry fee. Best light is golden hour or blue hour for river reflections and long exposures. Weekday mornings are quieter; seasonal winds affect water texture and sky clarity.
Jupiter Orbital Marker
A roadside commemorative marker celebrating the Jupiter orbital mission set against the semi-arid Columbia Basin landscape. Photograph the plaque, sculptural elements and interpretive signage with the sweeping horizon or nearby scrub and river bluffs for context. Easy to reach off local roads with informal parking; no entry fee. Best light is golden hour for warm side lighting and long shadows; weekdays and early mornings reduce visitors. Accessible by car and short walk; modest light pollution—
Brookstone Park
Small neighborhood park with pond, mature trees, walking paths and open lawns — good for tranquil nature and waterscape shots, reflections, and seasonal color. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; sunrise yields calm water and mist in cooler months. Easy street parking; flat, accessible paths make gear transport simple. No entry fee; expect local families and dog walkers, quieter on weekday mornings.
Claybell Park
Small neighborhood park with mature trees, open lawns and pathways—good for intimate landscape, seasonal foliage and relaxed portrait work. Easy street parking on Broadmoor St; no entry fee. Best visits at golden hour (sunrise/sunset) for warm side-light and long shadows; weekday mornings are quiet. Accessible paths make tripods and gear easy to carry. Great for local community scenes and simple nature compositions.
Red Dot Paintball Field Location
Outdoor paintball field with bunkers, barricades, wooded lanes and open staging areas—great for dynamic action, gritty close-ups, and environmental detail. Best light is golden hour or overcast afternoons to reduce harsh shadows; weekends host games with dramatic movement but expect crowds. Field is accessible by car with on-site parking; bring permission or coordinate with staff before shooting and get consent from players. Terrain can be uneven—wear boots and weatherproof gear. Unique for high
Badger Mountain Splash Pad
Small public splash pad set against Badger Mountain views — vibrant color, dynamic water jets and candid family action. Best early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds; weekends busy. Free park access, on-site parking; wheelchair-accessible paths. Great for playful, high-shutter work and environmental portraits showing local outdoor lifestyle.
Mars Orbital Marker
A small commemorative monument marking the Mars Orbiter mission near Richland — interesting for close-up detail shots and contextual landscape frames with the Columbia Basin. Easy roadside access and free parking; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and long shadows; clear nights offer starfield possibilities. Generally accessible year-round; expect light wind and occasional visitors on weekends.
Peach Tree Park
Small neighborhood park with rows of peach/orchard trees, open lawns and walking paths — good for seasonal shots: spring blossoms, summer fruit, and warm autumn hues. Easy roadside parking on Orchard Way, no entry fee, mostly flat and wheelchair-friendly paths. Best visited at golden hour for warm backlight or in spring overcast for saturated blossom color; weekdays are quieter.
Meadows East Park
Small community park with open grassy meadows, trees and a pond—good for wide-sky landscapes, reflections, and intimate nature shots. Easy free entry and street parking; paved paths and ADA access make gear transport simple. Best at golden hour and after spring rains when grasses and wildflowers pop; weekday mornings avoid families and sports. Winters give stark compositions with low sun.
Mercury Orbital Marker
A small roadside public marker and sculptural planetary installation near the Columbia River — good for minimalistic composition, contextual shots with river and Columbia Basin light, and night-sky accents. Easily reached from N Columbia River Rd with roadside parking; wheelchair accessible ground plane. Best at golden hour or blue hour for low sun and warm backlight; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. No entry fee; watch for traffic if shooting from the road.
The Uptown Bear
A local bar/restaurant with a distinctive storefront and lively interior — shoot neon signage, textured wood and brick interiors, food and cocktail close-ups, and candid patron scenes. Best light: golden hour for exterior warmth and blue hour/after-dark for neon and interior mood. Easily reachable by car with nearby street parking and small lot; weekdays are quieter. No special entry requirements but ask before photographing people or staff. Captures small‑town Tri‑Cities character.
Stevens Triangle Community Garden
Small community garden with seasonal beds, flowers, vegetables and informal paths—good for intimate nature and community-life shots. Best in spring–early fall for blooms; golden hour or overcast for soft light. Accessible from Catskill St with street parking; no fee but respect plots and gardeners. Weekday mornings are quieter. Captures local stewardship and textural close-ups rather than sweeping landscapes.
Westwood Park
Small neighborhood park with lawns, mature trees, walking paths and playground — good for intimate landscape and lifestyle shots. Best at golden hour and early morning for soft light and low foot traffic. Easy street parking on Westwood Ct; no entry fee. Accessible paths suit tripods and families. Quiet community vibe; seasonal foliage and cloudscapes add variety.
PerplEXIT Puzzle Rooms
PerplEXIT Puzzle Rooms offers themed escape-room interiors rich in props, textures, and dramatic artificial lighting — ideal for close-up detail shots, environmental portraits of teams, and moody interior compositions. Visit on weekdays or book a private session to avoid crowds; lighting is low and colored, so bring fast lenses and request permission for tripod use. Located in a business park with free parking at 750 Swift Blvd; accessibility depends on individual room layouts, so contact the GM
Hunt Point Circle
Hunt Point Circle is a quiet residential cul‑de‑sac in Richland offering suburban architecture, tidy lawns, mature street trees and clean vistas for intimate neighborhood scenes. Best visited at golden hour or after rain for reflective pavement; lighting is soft at sunrise and warm at sunset. Street parking is allowed; no entry fees. Accessibility is on paved sidewalks but watch for private property. Great for practicing composition, shallow‑depth portraits, and small‑scale urban studies.