SACAJAWEA HISTORICAL STATE PARK
Sacajawea State Park is a 284-acre inland waters, day-use park at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers. It features 9,100 feet of freshwater shoreline. The area is spread out with a big sky and excellent views of the two rivers as they flow together. The Sacajawea Interpretive Center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It closes for the season Nov. 1. The center features interactive displays that tell the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the experiences of Sacagawea, the young Shoshone Indian woman who accompanied the expedition. The new exhibits relate what is known about her life before, during and after the Expedition. A river beach and children's playground equipment are additional park features.
Park hours/updates:
The park is open to day use only.
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.Winter: Closed Oct. 29, reopens March 28.
Wildlife Mammals Birds Fish & Sea Life ? Coyotes? Deer or Elk? Marmots? Muskrats? Rabbits? Raccoons? Skunks? Squirrels? Crows or Ravens? Doves or Pigeons? Ducks? Eagles? Geese? Gulls? Hawks? Herons? Hummingbirds? Ospreys? Owls? Pheasants? Quail? Bass? Bluegill? Catfish? Crappie? Salmon? Steelhead? Sturgeon
Environmental Features Physical Features Plant Life The park's lands are sand dunes interspersed with wetland ponds. The park is on the plain of the great Lake Missoula floods, which swept through the area 12,000 years ago. ? Maple? Oak
The property was deeded to Washington State Parks in 1931. The park is named for Sacajawea, a Shoshone Indian woman who traveled with the Lewis and Clark expedition. The park is located on one of the expedition's campsites, used by Lewis and Clark from October 16 to 18, 1805.
The railroad built the town of Ainsworth in 1879. By 1884, the town was no longer used, and the buildings were moved or destroyed as local construction of the railroad was completed and the crew moved on.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
Available in the park Available in the area ? Pay phone? Auto repair? Airport? Boat rental? Camping? Diesel? Fishing/hunting? Gasoline? Gifts? Golf? Groceries? Hardware? Hospital? Marine supplies? Overnight Accommodations? Pay phone? Postal service? Propane? Recreational equipment? White gas? Wood? Swimming
A soft drink dispenser is on site. Other services are available within a few miles of the park.
Sacajawea is a day-use park, but does have one Northwest Discovery Water Trail campsite. The water trail campsite is available on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodates eight people and is designed for paddlers traveling down the river. Groups larger than eight people may contact the park at (506) 545-2361 for more information. Overnight moorage is allowed year round, but no restroom facilities are available October through March.
The park has two boat ramps and 200 feet of dock. The boat launch is in a small, protected lagoon.
A daily watercraft launching permit and a trailer dumping permit may be purchased at the park.
Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
The park provides 70 feet of moorage.
There also is one Northwest Discovery Water Trail campsite at the park. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodates eight people and is designed for paddlers traveling down the river. Groups larger than eight people may contact the park at (506) 545-2361 for more information.
Moorage fees are charged year round for mooring at docks, floats and buoys from 1 p.m. to 8 a.m. Daily and annual permits are available. For more information, call (360) 902-8844.
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Columbia and Snake rivers, with species like salmon, steelhead trout, and bass available.
Sacajawea Historical State Park is located near Kennewick, Richland and Pasco
The park offers one kitchen shelter with electricity and a large barbecue grill and one without electricity, plus seven sheltered and 123 unsheltered picnic tables. One of the shelters can accommodate up to 200 people. For information or reservations, call the park office at (509) 545-2361.
1. Sacajawea Interpretive Trail: This is a 0.5-mile trail that takes hikers through the park's interpretive center, showcasing historical exhibits about Lewis and Clark expedition.
2. Columbia Riverfront Trail: A scenic route along the riverbank offering stunning views of wildlife and water activities on the Columbia River.
3. Confluence Trails: These trails connect to other regional paths leading towards Pasco or Kennewick for longer hikes with diverse landscapes including wetlands, shrub-steppe upland habitats, riparian areas etc.
4. Wetland Loop Trail: An easy walking path around restored wetlands in which visitors can observe various bird species native to Washington State Park system.
5. Lewis & Clark Commemorative Route: It's an educational hike where you will find several plaques detailing important events from their journey across America.
6. Picnic Area Pathways: Shorter routes connecting picnic spots within lush green spaces ideal for family outings.
7. Native Plant Garden Paths: Winding pathways throughout beautifully maintained gardens featuring indigenous plant life; perfect for botany enthusiasts.
8. Sacagawea Heritage Trial: Paved multi-use pathway stretching over 23 miles alongside three rivers (Columbia,Sanke,and Yakima) providing panoramic vistas of Tri-Cities area.
9. River Overlook Walkway: Elevated walkway giving breathtaking view points overlooking convergence point of Snake and Colombia Rivers.
10. Accessible Nature Trails: Wheelchair:friendly paved tracks designed keeping accessibility needs in mind allowing everyone enjoy natural beauty regardless physical abilities.
A traditional Wanapum native village has been re-created at Sacajawea State Park, by the Wanapum Band of Native Americans, Grant County PUD and the Wanapum Heritage Center. Guided tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.Wanapum Village information on Grant County PUD web site.
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and great blue herons. Other birds sighted include the American kestrel, belted kingfisher and western meadowlark. The park's diverse habitats attract migratory waterfowl in spring and fall seasons too.
Activities Trails Water Activities Other ? 1.2 mi. Hiking Trails? Boating (freshwater)? Boating (freshwater, non-motorized)? 2 boat ramps (freshwater)? 200 feet of dock (freshwater)? 70 feet of moorage (freshwater)? Fishing (freshwater)? Personal Watercraft (freshwater)? Swimming (freshwater)? Water Skiing (freshwater)? Bird Watching? 2 Horseshoe pits? Interpretive Activities? 1 Volleyball Field? Wildlife Viewing
Located five miles southeast of Pasco, Wash., at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers in Franklin County.
From Pasco:Drive east on Hwy. 12 toward Walla Walla. Take a right on Tank Farm Rd. Continue across railroad tracks. The park is at the end of the road.