I usually come here in spring but with the rain the last few weeks i had to get some sun, so White Bluffs was my choice for the day. I saw a couple fishermen putting their boat in the water when i arrived and spotted a kingfisher bird right away. Then a huge group of geese and white pelicans, then an eagle. My goal for the day was sun and birds, i got my fill. I started up the trail and headed towards the dunes. It's evident there are other wildlife around from all the scat, i'm assuming coyotes. It was a peaceful today, as usual i didn't see another hiker all day. It's a long drive over but worth it for all the beauty i encountered today.

Hiked with my sis, she wanted sun and we drove to get it! It was a beautiful day after driving thru thick fog,& pourning rain to blue skies! It was worth the 6+ hour drive for sure! We had the whole area to ourselves just us and about 10 local eagles, most young. This area is somewhat remote and provides something for everyone, sis loved it! We went to the 2nd dunes and turned around covered around 8 miles I think. The views are spectacular with the river, dunes, rock formations, and saddle mountains, you really can't ask for more.. There were a few bugs flying around as the afternoon warmed up but oh well, small price to pay for such beauty. No ticks or snakes so I was happy.

Ethan & I went to the North Slope of the White Bluffs today. This was my 2nd Winter Walk for the Cascadians, but he was the only one who showed up on this beautiful day. It was cloudy to the east & overhead as we started out & the sun played with the edge of the clouds as we hiked north along the bluffs. We went as far as the second dune, but as it was lunch time we skirted around the bottom of it to a nice ledge rather than climb to the top. As we ate the sun came out from behind the clouds & it was sunny for the rest of the afternoon. We started back about 2:00 and the lower the sun got, the warmer the light became until it finally gave us a nice sunset. We saw lots of geese & ducks and a bald eagle soaring over the river as well as lots of tracks in the sand, but no 4 legged critters. And beleive it or not, on this sunny, mild day, we had the place to ourselves.

It was a beautiful day for this hike in an environment that treated me with various kinds of terrain. From the trailhead I could easily spot the trail going up. And when I got moving I was surprised by the fantastic views of the bluffs. Once at cruising altitude I followed the trail unto the dune area. There I started roaming and most of all started enjoying this wonderful area. Coming to the east side of the dunes I saw a coyote taking off to ground with more shrub cover. Getting back to the river side of the dunes I took my moments to enjoy the views. Not just this part of the river, but also the Hanford Site, and the Columbia River. So different from the river views in my own country (the views being nice there as well, but different). I strolled back and enjoyed this hike until the last moment.

I'm working my way through the Best Wildflower Hikes of Washington and started with White Bluffs which is the North side of the Columbia overlooking Hanford. It is a very long drive, and unfortunately there were not many flowers. The drive in from the highway (about 5 miles) had more flowers than the hike itself. Phlox was blooming in mats. The views are wonderful so it is worth a stop if you are in the area.