Road Trip from Bremerton to Richland: Museums, Parks & Landmarks
Are you ready for an adventure? Pack your bags, grab your friends, and hit the road on a memorable journey from Bremerton, Washington to Richland, Washington. Enjoy the scenic views of the Cascades, the arid beauty of the Yakima Valley, and the rich cultural history of the area that will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
Did you know that this road trip follows US Route 97 for most of the way? US 97 is a major north-south highway that spans over 500 miles from Weed, California, to the Canadian border in British Columbia. It passes through several scenic areas in Washington State, including the Columbia River Gorge, the Wenatchee River Valley, and the Yakima Valley.
About halfway through the trip, you will reach Cle Elum, WA, a small town nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Cle Elum is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with its proximity to the Wenatchee and Yakima rivers, and the many trails that crisscross the mountains.
The entire trip from Bremerton to Richland is about 240 miles long, and it should take about 4 hours without any stops. However, we recommend taking your time and allowing for at least one day to visit the many museums, parks, and landmarks along the way.
Here are the top 5 places to visit on your road trip:
- LeMay - America's Car Museum (Tacoma, WA): This museum features over 350 vintage, classic, and exotic cars from all over the world, including some of the rarest and most valuable cars ever built. Car enthusiasts will love the interactive exhibits, the restoration shop, and the chance to see cars like a 1930 Cord L29, a 1953 Studebaker Starliner, and a 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. Plus, there is a 3-acre park outside the museum with great views of the Tacoma skyline.
- Point of interest recommendation: Don't miss the "Top Speed" exhibit, which features some of the fastest cars in the world, including a Bugatti Veyron, a McLaren F1, and a Lamborghini Reventón.
- Yakima Area Arboretum (Yakima, WA): This 46-acre park is home to more than 2,000 plants, shrubs, and trees from around the world. It features several walking trails, a Japanese garden, a butterfly garden, and a pond with ducks and geese. Visitors can learn about the different species of plants and their role in the environment, and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time in nature.
- Point of interest recommendation: Check out the bird-watching station, where you can observe over 100 species of birds that inhabit the arboretum, including bald eagles, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons.
- Maryhill Museum of Art (Goldendale, WA): This unique museum is housed in a castle-like building overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. It features an extensive collection of art from around the world, including European and American paintings, Native American art, sculptures, and objects from ancient civilizations. The museum also has an outdoor sculpture garden, a café, and a gift shop.
- Point of interest recommendation: Take a moment to admire the view of the gorge from the museum's terraced lawns. On a clear day, you can see for miles, and the scenery is breathtaking.
- Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail (Zillah, WA): This wine trail features over 30 wineries, each with its own unique charm and style. Visitors can taste a variety of wines, from the famous Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to the lesser-known Tempranillo, Viognier, and Roussanne. The vineyards are set against the backdrop of the Rattlesnake Hills, which offer stunning views of the Yakima Valley.
- Point of interest recommendation: Stop at the Bonair Winery, which specializes in traditional-style Bordeaux wines and has won numerous awards for its wines. Take a tour of the winery and learn about the winemaking process from the experts.
- Richland Riverfront Trail (Richland, WA): This 7.4-mile trail runs along the Columbia and Yakima rivers and offers stunning views of the water, as well as the surrounding landscape. Visitors can walk, bike, or jog along the trail, and enjoy several public art installations, interpretive signs, and rest areas. The trail is also home to many waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and herons.
- Point of interest recommendation: Visit the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center, which is located near the trail and offers exhibits and programs about the history and ecology of the Hanford Reach National Monument, one of the last free-flowing stretches of the Columbia River.
In conclusion, the road trip from Bremerton to Richland is the perfect opportunity to explore the many museums, parks, and landmarks that make Washington State such a special place. With its scenic beauty, rich cultural history, and diverse attractions, this trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for years to come. Allow for at least one day to enjoy these top 5 places, and remember to take your time and soak up all that this route has to offer.