White Bluffs Sand Dunes Hike - 5.6miles, 500ft
Details
Let’s explore one of Washington’s most dramatic winter landscapes — the White Bluffs North Trail in the Hanford Reach National Monument! This 5.6-mile out-and-back hike offers wide-open views of the Columbia River, rolling desert dunes, and the pale bluffs that give this region its name.
In winter, the Hanford Reach transforms into a tranquil desert — quiet, crisp, and full of subtle beauty. Without the summer heat, it’s the perfect time to experience this high desert landscape. The golden hills and chalk-white cliffs glow under the low sun, and the Columbia River winds serenely below. The cooler air also means a chance to spot wildlife — bald eagles, hawks, ravens, herons, and other winter residents that thrive along the river.
From the trailhead near the boat launch, we’ll head north on a sandy, unsigned path through open sagebrush steppe. After about 2 miles, we’ll reach the first dune — an ideal spot to rest, take in the views, and enjoy the stillness of the season. We will continue another mile and a half to a second dune for a wider panorama of the Hanford Reach.
Across the river, you can see the historic Hanford Site reactors, relics of World War II — a reminder of the region’s fascinating history. Yet the landscape is much more than history: this is a living desert ecosystem shaped by Ice Age floods and time, where every curve of sand and bluff tells a story.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/white-bluffs-north-slope-trail
| Distance: 5.6 mi RT | Duration: 3.5–4 hrs
| Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate
| Elevation Gain: ~500 ft
| Trail Type: Out-and-back
| Pace: Moderate with breaks
📍 Meeting Point for Carpool: Green Lake Park & Ride
💰 Riders - please pay $40 to your driver towards fuel and other expenses before departure.
🚗 Parking: No pass required at trailhead.
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### Things to Bring
- Warm layers (base layer, fleece, windproof shell)
- Hat, gloves, and neck gaiter (it can be windy)
- Waterproof or wind-resistant jacket
- 2L of water
- Packed lunch/snacks
- Sunglasses — desert glare can be bright even on cloudy days
- Sturdy hiking boots (a part of the trail will be sandy)
- Extra footwear and a plastic bag for after the hike
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### Schedule
7:15 AM – Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride
7:30 AM – Depart for Hanford Reach
11:30 AM – Arrive at trailhead
12:00 PM – Begin hike
3:30 PM – Finish hike
5:00 PM – Dinner in Ellensburg (optional)
9:00 PM – Return to Seattle
### Notes
- Expect cool, windy conditions
- No toilet at trailhead.
- Limited cell service.
- Dogs not recommended due to delicate terrain and exposure.
- Avoid stepping on cryptobiotic soils, which are fragile and take years to recover.
- Rattlesnakes have been sighted in this area in the past. Watch your step and stay on the trail.
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This is not a guided tour. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you and your guests are solely responsible for your own safety. You attend at your own risk, and the hosts, co-hosts, and organizers are indemnified.