Walking Washington's Riverfronts

Rumors about “the mighty river of the West” drew early explorers from around the world, looking for a waterway across the North American continent.

From the Pacific Ocean, they found and named the Columbia River, but it did not go where they hoped it would. After 200 miles it turns north rather than leading east.

Although the explorers were disappointed, the rivers of Washington have boosted the growth and vitality of our state’s cities for centuries. Vancouver, Yakima, the Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, Spokane and Everett all flourished on the banks of powerful rivers. Several cities have reclaimed these heavily used riverfronts for recreation. You can walk or bike for miles through urban history. The trails are mostly paved and relatively flat.

Vancouver

An archway of canoe paddles, designed by artist Lillian Pitt, forms the Welcome Gate to the Land Bridge along the Columbia River in Vancouver