Hanford: Ride with a Ranger

Explore local history and nature on a bike!

NPS

 

Things to Do

• Go to Visitor Centers
• Join Ranger Programs
• Explore Museums
• Have Family Fun
• Enjoy the Outdoors

Manhattan Project National Historical Park partners with the REACH Museum, Bike Tri-Cities, and other local organizations to host Ride with a Ranger programs twice a year. Ride with a Ranger is an interpretive bike ride along the Sacagawea Heritage Trail and around the Tri-Cities.

Dates & Times

These programs will be offered in once in the spring and fall starting at 10:00 am Pacific time. Meet at the starting location by 9:30 am to check in and be ready for a 10:00 am departure. 

Details for 2024: 

Spring: Saturday, April 13

Fall: Saturday, September 28
New route! Meet at the Green Bridge Historical Marker on the south side of the Cable Bridge at 9:30 am for a 10:00 am departure. Parking is available at the Water Follies Office, located at 621 N Gum St Suite A, Kennewick, WA 99336.

Route Information

Spring route: It is a 17-mile (27.36 km) round trip ride from Leslie Groves Park along the Sacajawea Heritage Trail, on city streets through the Richland Parkway, and then continuing along the river to the REACH museum. There will be two stops along the route for presentations on the way to the REACH Museum. The bike ride will arrive at the REACH Museum by approximately 11:15 am. Participants will have one hour at the REACH Museum. At 12:15 pm, participants will have the option to ride back to the start of the route with the rangers or return to Leslie Groves Park on their own at any time. Transportation back to the starting point will not be provided.

Fall route: It is a 13-mile (20.92 km) round-trip ride from the Green Bridge Historical Marker along the Sacajawea Heritage Trail to Clover Island, and then continue along the river through Columbia Park to the REACH Museum. There will be two stops along the route for presentations. The bike ride will arrive at the REACH Museum around 11:00 am. Participants will have one hour at the REACH Museum. At 12:00 pm, participants will have the option to ride back to the start of the route with the rangers or they can return to the start on their own at any time. Transportation back to the starting point will not be provided.

Safety

To ensure the safety of all participants, riders will:

• Wear a helmet. Helmets are required for any riders under the age of 18.
• Register with a friend. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Be able to go the distance and keep pace with the group. Children must be able to ride the entirety of the route independently or be in a carrier. The suggested minimum age for this ride is 15 years old unless riding in a trailer or a tagalong.
• Be prepared to be outside for several hours and dress appropriately for the weather. Close-toed shoes, long pants, jacket, and gloves as appropriate for the weather are recommended.
• Bring water and snacks to make sure you have enough energy to complete the ride. Food is not provided or available for purchase during the event. Water is available at the REACH Museum.

Reservations & Groups

Registration is required to participate in this event. "Walk up" participation is not allowed. Event registration opens a couple weeks prior to the event and closes a couple days before the event. Groups are limited to 8 participants to ensure many individuals and families can participate. If you have a larger group that would like to register, please send your request to e-mail us. 

Additional Information

Participants must provide their own bike, helmet, and any additional gear needed including child carriers. Several days before the ride, a basic maintenance check is recommended to make sure bikes are ready for the ride. Check the brakes, tires, tire pressure, and lube the chain.  

Accessibility Information

The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is paved, mostly flat, well-marked, and away from public roadways. Visitors can walk, run, bike or wheel on this trail.

Sign language interpreters are available for ranger programs with two weeks advance notice. This length of time and specificity is needed because we contract for this service. Please email the park at e-mail us for more information and to request this service.