Tri-Cities Map

Description: This map shows cities, neighborhoods, streets, roads, rivers, buildings, airport, railways, and parks in Tri-Cities.

Description: This map shows where Tri-Cities is located on the Washington Map.

Description: This map shows visitor centers, transit centers, Richland Riverfront Trail, Sacagawea Heritage Trail, Lewis ana Clark Westbound Journey, Lewis ana Clark Eastbound Journey, museums, monuments, points of interest, and tourist atractions in Tri-Cities.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, boardwalk, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Tri-Cities.

Description: This map shows cities, towns, highways, roads, rivers, and parks in Tri-Cities Area.

Description: This map shows cities, towns, highways, roads, rivers, and parks in Tri-Cities Area.

Other Maps of Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities is a metropolitan area in southeastern Washington State comprising three closely connected cities: Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. Located at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia rivers, the region has a combined population exceeding 300,000 in the metropolitan statistical area. The Tri-Cities represents the largest metropolitan area in eastern Washington and serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and education.

Geography and Climate

The Tri-Cities is situated in the Columbia Basin at approximately 400 feet elevation, where the Yakima River joins the Columbia River and the Snake River enters from the east. The area is characterized by a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters. Annual precipitation averages only about 7-8 inches, necessitating irrigation for agriculture and landscaping. The Columbia River provides water resources and recreational opportunities.

The landscape consists of desert terrain with sagebrush, native grasses, and areas transformed by irrigation into productive agricultural land. Surrounding hills and bluffs provide scenic vistas. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F (32°C), while winter temperatures occasionally drop below freezing.

History

The area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wanapum and Yakama, for thousands of years. European-American settlement began in the late 19th century, focused on agriculture and river transportation. The region remained relatively small until World War II, when the federal government selected the area for the Hanford Site, a secret facility for plutonium production as part of the Manhattan Project. This development transformed the Tri-Cities from agricultural communities into a significant urban area.

Richland was constructed as a government town to house Hanford workers. The population grew rapidly during and after the war. Following the war, Hanford continued operations during the Cold War, producing plutonium for nuclear weapons. The site employed tens of thousands of workers and drove regional economic development for decades.

Economy

The economy has historically been dominated by the Hanford Site and related federal government activities. Today, the site is primarily focused on environmental remediation, making it one of the largest nuclear cleanup efforts in the world. The Department of Energy, contractors, and related industries employ thousands.

Agriculture remains economically significant. The region produces wine grapes, potatoes, onions, cherries, apples, and other crops. The Columbia Valley wine region has expanded dramatically, with numerous wineries attracting tourism. Other economic sectors include healthcare, retail, food processing, and professional services. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a Department of Energy research facility in Richland, conducts scientific research and employs scientists and engineers.

Demographics

The Tri-Cities has a diverse population with a significant Hispanic and Latino community, comprising approximately 30% of residents. The area has experienced steady population growth, driven by employment opportunities and relatively affordable housing compared to Western Washington. The population is generally younger than the state average, influenced by employment in scientific and technical fields. Educational attainment levels are high, particularly in Richland, due to the concentration of scientists, engineers, and technical professionals associated with Hanford and PNNL.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Interstate 182 and U.S. Route 395 serve as major transportation routes. State Route 240 connects the three cities and provides access to the Hanford Site. The Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) offers commercial air service. The Columbia River is navigable and supports barge transportation for agricultural products and other cargo. Public transportation is provided by Ben Franklin Transit, which operates bus service throughout the area.

Recreation and Quality of Life

The region offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The Columbia River provides boating, fishing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Parks line the riverfront, including the extensive Columbia Park in Kennewick and Howard Amon Park in Richland. The area features numerous golf courses, taking advantage of the dry climate. Wine tourism has grown substantially, with over 200 wineries in the greater Columbia Valley region. The Tri-Cities maintains a relatively low cost of living and experiences significant sunshine, averaging over 300 days per year.

Challenges

The region faces challenges related to Hanford Site cleanup, which will continue for decades. Environmental concerns include groundwater contamination and the management of radioactive waste. Economic diversification beyond government employment remains an ongoing objective. Water resources management is critical in the arid climate.

List of Cities

Main sights in Tri-Cities

How to Get to Tri-Cities

By Air

The closest airport is Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco, which offers flights from major cities.

• Direct flights available from Seattle, Portland, Denver, and Las Vegas
• Car rental services available at the airport
• Taxi and ride-sharing services to downtown areas

By Car

The Tri-Cities is accessible via several major highways:

• Interstate 82 - Primary north-south route
• US Highway 395 - Connects to Spokane and other eastern Washington cities
• State Route 240 - Local connector between the three cities

Driving distances:

• From Seattle: approximately 3.5 hours (214 miles)
• From Portland: approximately 3 hours (180 miles)
• From Spokane: approximately 2.5 hours (144 miles)

By Bus

Greyhound Lines provides bus service to the Tri-Cities area with stops in Pasco and Richland.

By Train

Currently, there is no passenger rail service directly to the Tri-Cities area.