Richland Map

Description: This map shows neighborhoods, streets, roads, golf courses, lakes, rivers, buildings, airports, railways, and parks in Richland.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Downtown Richland.

Description: This map shows where Richland is located on the Washington Map.

Other Maps of Richland

Richland is a city in Benton County, Washington, and one of three principal cities of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area. Located along the Yakima River near its confluence with the Columbia River, Richland has a population exceeding 60,000. The city's history and identity are inextricably linked to the Hanford Site and nuclear technology, distinguishing it from other Washington communities.

History

Prior to European-American settlement, the area was inhabited by Native American peoples. A small agricultural community existed before World War II, with irrigation supporting farming. In 1943, the federal government selected the area as the site for the Hanford Engineer Works, part of the Manhattan Project to develop atomic weapons. The government constructed Richland as a planned community to house workers and their families. The city was built rapidly with residential neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas, and infrastructure designed to support thousands of workers.

During World War II and the subsequent Cold War, Hanford produced plutonium for nuclear weapons. Richland grew substantially, with the population reaching tens of thousands. The city's economy was entirely dependent on Hanford operations. Following the end of the Cold War and the cessation of plutonium production, the Hanford Site transitioned to environmental cleanup and remediation, which continues today and is expected to take decades.

Atomic City Identity

Richland embraced its nuclear heritage with the nickname "Atomic City." The city's high school sports teams are known as the "Bombers," with a mushroom cloud as an emblem—a unique and sometimes controversial symbol. This identity reflects pride in Hanford's role in World War II and the Cold War, though perspectives vary on the symbolism. The city's history is preserved at the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which includes several Hanford locations.

Economy

The economy remains closely tied to the Hanford Site, though diversification efforts continue. The Hanford Site employs thousands in environmental cleanup, waste management, and site remediation. The U.S. Department of Energy oversees operations, with contractors performing the work. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a premier Department of Energy research facility operated by Battelle Memorial Institute, employs thousands of scientists, engineers, and support staff conducting research in energy, national security, environmental science, and other fields.

The concentration of scientific and technical professionals has created a highly educated workforce. The economy also includes healthcare, retail, and services. Agriculture, particularly wine grape cultivation, occurs in surrounding areas. The wine industry has expanded significantly, with numerous wineries in the region. Richland has worked to attract technology companies and diversify beyond government employment.

Geography and Climate

Richland is located on the Yakima River's northern bank near its confluence with the Columbia River. The elevation is approximately 400 feet. The terrain is generally flat with some gently rolling areas and proximity to basalt bluffs. The climate is semi-arid with hot, dry summers and cool winters. Annual precipitation averages about 7 inches. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F (35°C), while winter temperatures are generally mild but occasionally drop below freezing. The low humidity and abundant sunshine contribute to a desert-like environment.

Transportation

State Route 240 is the primary highway serving Richland, connecting to Interstate 182 and other Tri-Cities locations. State Route 224 provides access to western Richland. The George Washington Way and Bypass Highway facilitate internal circulation. Ben Franklin Transit provides public bus service. The Tri-Cities Airport is located approximately 10 miles from Richland. The city has an extensive network of bike paths and trails, particularly along the Columbia and Yakima rivers.

Recreation and Quality of Life

Richland offers numerous parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Howard Amon Park, located along the Columbia River, is a premier waterfront park with walking and biking trails, boat launches, playgrounds, and event spaces. The park hosts community events including outdoor concerts and festivals. The Columbia River provides boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing. Leslie Groves Park and numerous neighborhood parks offer additional recreational facilities. The area features multiple golf courses. Wine tourism is popular, with numerous tasting rooms accessible in and around Richland.

Education

Richland School District serves public school students. The district is well-regarded, with schools benefiting from community support and the presence of educated parents working in scientific fields. Hanford High School and Richland High School are the district's two high schools. Washington State University Tri-Cities, located in Richland, offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Columbia Basin College serves the community college needs. PNNL and other employers provide educational partnerships and support.

Demographics

Richland's population is predominantly white, with lower Hispanic and Latino representation compared to Pasco and Kennewick. The city has a highly educated population, with a significant percentage holding bachelor's and advanced degrees, reflecting employment in scientific and technical fields. Median household incomes are higher than the Tri-Cities average and Washington State as a whole. The population skews slightly older due to stable employment and established families. The community is politically conservative, typical of eastern Washington.

Main sights in Richland

How to Get to Richland

By Air

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is the closest airport, located about 8 miles from Richland. The airport offers flights from major cities including Seattle, Portland, Denver, and Las Vegas.

• Rental cars available at the airport
• Taxi and rideshare services to Richland
• Airport shuttle services

By Car

Richland is accessible via several major highways:

• From Seattle: Take I-90 East to I-82 South, then US-12 East to Richland (about 215 miles, 3.5 hours)
• From Portland: Take I-84 East to I-82 North, then US-12 East (about 210 miles, 3.5 hours)
• From Spokane: Take US-195 South to I-90 West, then I-82 South to US-12 East (about 145 miles, 2.5 hours)

By Bus

Greyhound provides bus service to the Tri-Cities area with stops in nearby Pasco. From Pasco, you can take local transit or taxi to Richland.

By Train

The closest Amtrak station is in Pasco, about 10 miles from Richland. The Empire Builder route connects Pasco to Seattle, Portland, and Chicago.

Local Transportation

Once in the area:

• Ben Franklin Transit provides public bus service throughout the Tri-Cities
• Taxi and rideshare services available
• Car rentals from various agencies
• Bike-friendly city with dedicated bike paths

References