Forming part of Washington’s Tri-Cities region, Pasco lies at the junction of the Snake and Columbia rivers. The area was originally home to the Shoshone people before the arrival of fur trappers and gold traders in the 19th century. Construction of the Northern Pacific Railway accelerated settlement in Pasco, which was named after a city in the Peruvian Andes.
Things to do in Pasco
Coincide your visit with the Pasco Farmers Market, which has been taking place in the city since 1988. It’s a great place to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, plants and flowers, all of which have been grown locally. Foodies should visit in September for the Fiery Foods Festival, which celebrates the city’s thriving Hispanic culinary scene, accompanied by live music and dance performances.
Learn about the area’s rail, river and aviation industries at the Franklin County Historical Society & Museum, which occupies a 1911-built Carnegie library. Its exhibits include natural history specimens, anthropological findings and cultural artefacts from the area’s Native American peoples. Paintings and sculptures by regional artists are also on display.
Marking the meeting point of the Snake and Columbia Rivers is Sacajawea Historical State Park where Lewis and Clark camped during their 1805 expedition. It is named after a Shoshone woman who assisted the mission and married the Canadian-born explorer, Toussaint Charbonneau. Learn about her life and legacy at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center before setting out to explore the multi-use Sacagawea Heritage Trail.
Getting around Pasco
Tri-Cities Airport is the main aviation gateway to Pasco and has flights to destinations across the United States. “Empire Builder” trains connect to the Amtrak Pasco railway station and buses travel throughout the city. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the area.