Driving SR 182

Crossing the Columbia – My Favorite View

Driving SR 182 means crossing the Columbia River, and that view never gets old. Rolling over the bridge into Pasco or Richland, the wide blue river stretches in both directions, lined with walking trails, parks, and marinas. In summer, boats cruise below, and in the fall, the river glows in the golden light. If you plan to stay in the Tri-Cities for the night, Columbia Park is a great place to capture mesmerizing sunset photos, and Clover Island to capture the Cable Bridge and Clover Island Lighthouse for great pics!

Favorite Stop: Columbia Point Marina Park in Richland. Perfect for a picnic, launching a kayak, or just stretching my legs.

Richland – Wine, History, and River Trails

On the west end of SR 182, I love pulling into Richland. This town blends history (the Manhattan Project days at Hanford) with modern charm. The Sacagawea Heritage Trail runs along the river and is one of my favorite places to bike or walk.

And of course, the wine tasting here is top-notch—Barnard Griffin Winery and Tagaris Winery are just minutes off the highway.

RV & Camping: Horn Rapids RV Resort makes a great base, with full hookups and a pool.

Pasco – Markets and Sunshine

Heading east on 182, I find myself in Pasco, known for its agriculture, great food, and sunny climate. One of my favorite stops is the Pasco Farmers Market, bursting with fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts in the summer months.

The riverfront here is just as lovely, with parks like Chiawana Park offering plenty of space to unwind.

Kennewick – Shopping and Sports

Though SR 182 doesn’t pass directly through Kennewick, it’s just across the bridge. Whenever I’m in the area, I like stopping at the Columbia Center Mall or catching a game at the Toyota Center. It’s a reminder that the Tri-Cities combine small-town warmth with city-style amenities.

My Tips for Driving SR 182

- Enjoy the river: Most of the best stops are right along the Columbia.
- Bring your bike or kayak: The Sacagawea Trail and Columbia Point Marina are perfect for both. A little word of advice. The Columbia looks peaceful but packs a punch when it comes to current. You will not be able to paddle against the current, so be prepared.
- Taste the wine: The Tri-Cities are a hub of Washington wine country.
- Stay awhile: With RV resorts, hotels, and parks, this little highway can turn into a full weekend getaway.

Final Thoughts

SR 182 might be short, but it packs in everything I love about Eastern Washington—sunshine, river views, fresh fruit, and a welcoming community. Whether I’m just passing through or stopping for a long weekend, this highway always feels like the gateway to a slower pace of life and plenty of new memories.

At Get Outside and Play USA, we love sharing outdoor adventures, travel tips, and gear we personally believe make exploring even better.

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, This means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

These commissions help support the time and effort that goes into creating helpful guides, road trip ideas, and honest gear recommendations — so you can get outside and play with confidence! These partnerships help support the maintenance of this site.