Tri-Cities
The Hanford Reach National Monument in Tri-Cities is the last free-flowing section of the Columbia River within the United States, carved by the massive Ice Age Floods originating in Lake Missoula 18,000 to 20,000 years ago, and designated a National Monument in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. Columbia River Journeys offers exhilarating tours of the Reach that showcase its seldom-seen lands and waters.

Wildlife sightings are common here. Giant White Pelicans (endangered in most portions of the West, but common on the Reach) gracefully glide by on ten-foot wingspans. Trophy mule deer browse along the shores. Great Blue Herons, terns, beaver, porcupines and other species are often seen. Visitors may feel like the first people to travel into this remote area, but Native Americans lived along the Reach since the beginning of time. This tour is generally accessible only by shallow-draft boat.

Another great birding spot in the Tri-Cities is Bateman Island, an urban watchable wildlife area in Richland’s Island View Area, which is easily accessed via a land-bridge. Bateman Island is criss-crossed with trails that  allow a person to really feel like they are close to the riparian habitat and forget about urban life for a while. The Columbia Basin Audubon Society does an annual bird count from this island each year - evidence of the diversity of species found there.

Bateman Island also connects to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail (a 23-mile loop trail that runs along the Columbia River connecting all three cities, and also a great place to view birds and riparian wildlife) There is plenty of parking at the entrance. 

A couple of pub-style restaurants overlook Bateman Island, off the Columbia Park Trail and Columbia Center Boulevard: R.F. McDougall's (Prime Rib is their specialty) and the SagePort Grill. However, if you're in the mood for something a little more special, dine at Amici's. According to Food & Wine, "Straightforward but satisfying Italian-inflected Pacific Northwest dishes are paired with Washington wines at this riverside venue." Then get a good night's sleep at either the Hampton Inn or the Couryard by Marriott Hotel.

Walla Walla
Walla Walla County is blessed by its location along the eastern shore of the Columbia River and the south shore of the Snake River along its northern boundary. Flowing through this historic county are the Walla Walla River and its tributary, the Touchet River, both of which spring from the spectacular northern Blue Mountains to the east. Elevations within the county range form 340’ above sea level at the Walla Walla River delta to over 5000’ in the Blue Mountains. Even with 70% of this county in important agriculture production, there is still enough native habitat to host 325 species of birds.

Fall migration along the Columbia River in western Walla Walla County is spectacular. Visit McNary National Wildlife Refuge and the Walla Walla River delta where Sabines Gull, Parasitic Jaeger, Common Tern and up to 16 species of shorebirds may be present.

With the crispness of fall in the air and vineyards full of world-class wine grapes all around, dinner time calls for steak. At the Backstage Bistro, you can choose from grilled Ribeye, Filet Mignon, New York Strip, and more - served with garlic mashed potatoes, salad, and freshly baked bread. Pair with your favorite Walla Walla red from their extensive local wine list.

For a special treat, spend a night or two at Girasol Vineyard and Inn. It's just minutes from downtown Walla Walla, has sweeping views of the Blue Mountains, and is surrounded by more than 14 wineries within a two-mile radius. Choose from three luxury suites, each with its own entrance, private bath, relaxed sitting area, and its own east-facing patio with stunning views of the vineyards and foothills.

And while you’re in the area, you have to visit the home of Tom Lamb, just north of Walla Walla, where up to 300 hummingbirds can be seen visiting his 30 feeders. This unique farm has been the destination for many Audubon and birding field trips. To get there, drive east of Walla Walla on Hwy 12, approximately 8 miles, to Dixie. Turn right (South) on Biscuit Ridge road at the large old schoolhouse, then go approximately 2 miles. Tom's is a small house with lots of hummingbird feeders around and a small sign that says "Hummingbird Crossing." Tom welcomes birders anytime between May and September. There is a box for donations to maintain the feeders, and don't forget to sign the visitor log!

Also in this area: search for the Green-tailed Towhee at its northern limits on Biscuit Ridge.

When it's time for lunch, head back to Merchant's Deli, a local favorite stop for great deli sandwiches and other gourmet goodies. Don't forget to grab some cookies from their French bakery for the trip home.