Clover Island facts for kids
The lighthouse on Clover Island with the Blue Bridge in the background.
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 Clover Island
Location in Washington (state)
Clover Island (Washington)
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Columbia River, Kennewick, Washington |
| Coordinates | 46°13′01″N 119°06′40″W / 46.217°N 119.111°W |
| Area | 0.025 sq mi (0.065 km2) |
| Length | 0.43 mi (0.69 km) |
| Width | 0.07 mi (0.11 km) |
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United States
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| State | Washington |
| County | Benton County |
| City | Kennewick |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
Clover Island is a small island located in the Columbia River in Kennewick, Washington. It sits between two large bridges: the Blue Bridge and the Cable Bridge. The island is about 2,400 feet (730 meters) long and 700 feet (210 meters) wide. It covers an area of about 16 acres (6.5 hectares).
The Port of Kennewick owns and manages Clover Island. Long ago, before the McNary Dam was built, Clover Island was much larger. It used to be around 162 acres (65.5 hectares). The dam's construction changed the river's water levels, making the island smaller.
Did you know that famous explorers Lewis and Clark visited Clover Island? They stopped there on October 17, 1805. They were on their way to the Pacific Ocean during their big journey across America.
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What Can You Do on Clover Island?
Clover Island is a busy and developed place, unlike some other islands in the area. You can easily reach it by car using a special road called a causeway. This causeway connects the island to the mainland. If you like biking, you're in luck! The island is also close to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a popular bike path.
Places to Stay and Eat
Clover Island has a four-story hotel called the Clover Island Inn. It's located at the east end of the island. If you get hungry, there are a few places to eat. You can find the Ice Harbor Brewing Company and Cedars Restaurant on the island. In total, there are three different restaurants to choose from.
Boating and the Lighthouse
If you enjoy boating, Clover Island is a great spot. It's home to the Clover Island Yacht Club. There's also a two-lane boat launch where you can put your boat in the water.
One of the most famous landmarks on the island is the Clover Island Lighthouse. This lighthouse is 62 feet (19 meters) tall. It's special because it was the first lighthouse built in the United States since 1962!
Who Helps Keep the River Safe?
The U.S. Coast Guard has a team based on Clover Island. This team is called the Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) Kennewick. Their main job is to take care of the fixed navigation structures in the Columbia River. These structures help boats know where to go safely.
Where Does the Coast Guard Work?
ANT Kennewick is part of a larger Coast Guard unit located in Portland. The team on Clover Island is responsible for the Columbia River between Hood River, Oregon and Richland. They also cover the Snake River from where it joins the Columbia River all the way up to Lewiston, Idaho.
They also help with other navigation aids in a much larger area. This includes the Columbia River all the way to Fort Peck, Montana. It also covers major lakes near Spokane and in the Idaho Panhandle.
History of the Coast Guard Station
The ANT Kennewick team was officially created in 1992. Before that, it was known simply as Station Kennewick. The facility on Clover Island was built in 1962. The Coast Guard moved its operations here from John Day, Oregon. Kennewick was chosen because it was a more central location for their important work.
