On hearing about the White Bluffs of the Hanford Reach for several years now, I decided to set out at the very early hour of 3:30am to drive over to catch the sunrise. I really wanted to see the sun rise on the dunes that are out there but I guess I just wasn't early enough. Very cold when I arrived but it warmed up significantly once the sun came up.
13 degrees farenheit when I arrived.GoPro image. I got a GoPro Hero 3+ for Christmas and this was my first trial run with it. I'm pleasantly surprised at how well it works. Still have lots to learn on how to make the most of it. On this trip I have it mounted on a chest harness. Most images on this post are not taken with the GoPro but I thought this one looked pretty decent.Sunrise on the White bluffsThe hike starts on this nice trail but the trail disappears after half a mile or so and its a cross country hike.
GoPro footage of the bluffs
Rugged bluffsIn shadowRan across these hunters while I was out there. "HEY, WE'RE HUNTING UP HERE!" OK, so where do you want me to go? You do know people hike out here right? There were five or six of them out there that I then had to hike around. Sorry to ruin your hunt fellas but maybe next time, go somewhere that hikers won't traipse through. Still not sure what they were hunting for. And for the record, not against hunting. Just against hunting where and when I'm hiking. GoPro image.First duneTracks in the dunesRainier from the first duneFirst duneFirst duneFirst duneHanfordTracksTracksIn flightSculpted dunes and Columbia RiverFree flowing Columbia River, dunes, White Bluffs and Rainier. Where else can you see all this at once.The second and larger of the two dunesSculptedSculptedBird tracksIcy shadowed ripplesMy long winter shadowTinyI was so careful to stay off the dunes as much as possible in case others would like to see the dunes in an un-trampled state. On my hike out I ran into a couple that didn't share my vision. At this point I said screw it and just hiked out they way they came, right across the top of the dune. Glad I got the earlier start.Ice and sandLooking south towards the start of the hike.RipplesHanford Reach North viewsDetailsAfter the white bluffs, I drove up to the top of Saddle Mountain.Saddle MountainSaddle MountainFrozen solid aqueduct near Saddle Mountain. Not that it would be entirely safe or anything, but it looked like you could get on here with a set of ice skates and skate for miles and miles.Columbia River and I-5 bridge near VantageStuart Range from the rest area on I-5 near Cle Elum
Excellent photos and report, Jay. I’ve been meaning to get there sometime and seeing your images bumped it up my list.
Peace
Go for it Ed. You won’t be disappointed.
Jay