Renewing an Urban Waterfront Destination
Clover Island is a mixed-use commercial and recreational destination located in Kennewick’s Historic Waterfront District. Port of Kennewick and its city, county, state and federal partners have teamed to add public amenities, improve the shoreline and create physical and visual access from the island to the Columbia River. The island features an entry gateway, recreational pathway, lighthouse, free public boat launch, marina and restrooms, public plaza, three restaurants (Cedars at Pier One, Ice Harbor Brewing at the Marina, The Crow’s Nest), a hotel (Clover Island Inn), and a diverse collection of public art.
View the shoreline restoration and Riverwalk trail enhancement photos and videos in the renewal progress tab below!
Clover Island is also home to the Clover Island Lighthouse. Constructed in May 2010, the lighthouse is a four-section, pre-cast concrete structure standing 62 feet tall. The fully functional lighthouse is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Private Aid to Navigation (PATON). The lighthouse tower houses a white beacon that flashes every four seconds. The 15,000-square-foot Lighthouse Plaza that surrounds the lighthouse makes a great place for viewing sunsets, enjoying wildlife, holding portrait sessions, weddings and special events.
Today, Clover Island spans 16 acres. The island originally encompassed 162 acres. The scenic pond behind the adjacent levee was the former Columbia River waterfront before the McNary Dam and levee system was built, which covered most of the island, impounded the original shoreline and formed that nature pond.
Read the Master Plan in the Clover Island Plans tab below and visit the Historic Waterfront District planning webpage to see the community input received during the 2020/2021 planning process.
Clover Island 1942
Clover Island 1953
Information for Builders & Realtors
Land for commercial mixed-use activities, including residential opportunities, will become available on the island for private-sector development following the completion of shoreline restoration work. Parcels will overlook either the Columbia River or Marina harbor.
Once available, sites will be listed in the Lease & Sale Opportunities section of this website.
For More Information
Amber Hanchette
Director of Real Estate & Operations
509-586-1186
Clover Island Plans
The following plans provide the details for the renewal of the island.
Clover Island Master Plan
January 2005
Clover Island Shoreline Improvements Plan
January 2008
Clover Island Design Standards
December 2022
Renewal Progress
The transformation of the Clover Island shoreline is complete. Over the years, the Port and its partners added public amenities and art, landscaping, pathways, a scenic overlook and constructed several new buildings bringing new jobs and business to Clover Island. The Port also rebuilt and improved the public boat launch and added paved parking and restrooms.
2021 – 2023 Improvements Project
More recently, the Port partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Benton County, City of Kennewick and Washington State Recreation & Conservation Office to stabilize and restore Clover Island’s north and east shorelines and extend the Clover Island Riverwalk. This work to improve habitat for listed and endangered fish, beautify the Columbia Rivershore, expand recreational opportunities and support future economic development was finished in early 2023. The partners also added lighting, benches, landscaping, interpretive panels, three viewpoints, and other public amenities.
North Shoreline Before
North Shoreline After
Ribbon Cutting for Clover Island Shoreline Improvements – 05 12 23
Clover Island Shoreline Restoration Progress – 11 09 22
Clover Island Shoreline Restoration Progress – 5 23 22
Clover Island Shoreline Restoration Progress – 5 23 22
Clover Island Shoreline Restoration Progress – 12 07 21
Clover Island Shoreline Restoration Progress – 11 09 22
Clover Island Shoreline Restoration Progress – 2 10 22
Clover Island Shoreline Restoration Progress – 1 20 22
2010/2011 Improvements Project
West Causeway Shoreline Before
West Causeway Shoreline After
Recreation, Food & Activities
People enjoy the artwork and events on the island and spend time there boating, biking, walking, watching wildlife, fishing, and taking in the river’s scenic beauty.
Surrounding the Clover Island Lighthouse is the Lighthouse Plaza that serves as a public gathering space. The plaza features colored and stamped concrete, which emulates a beacon of light emanating away from the tower. Benches and landscaped seating walls provide quiet places to enjoy the waterfront. The plaza offers visitors 360-degree access around the lighthouse base and unparalleled river views.
Public artwork installations abound on Clover Island. Explore art on the island and in other areas of the Port district.
Clover Island Inn
435 Clover Island Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
866-586-0542Â |Â 509-586-0541Â |Â cloverislandinn.com
Clover Island Yacht Club
104 Clover Island Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-586-9656Â |Â cloverislandyachtclub.com
Cedars Restaurant & Lounge
355 Clover Island Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-582-2143Â |Â cedarsatpierone.com
Crow’s Nest at Clover Island Inn
435 Clover Island Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-586-0541Â |Â cloverislandinn.com/crows-nest
Rollin’ Fresh Ice Cream
Clover Island Lighthouse Plaza
Clover Island Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336
509-212-7571
