Franklin County, Washington is located in the southeastern corner of the state and is bordered by Benton County to the north, Walla Walla County to the west, and Columbia and Garfield Counties to the east. The county seat is Pasco and its largest city is Pasco. The county has an estimated population of 86,878 as of 2019.
According to photionary.com, Franklin County was first established in 1883 as part of the Washington Territory. It was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Yakama, Palouse, Umatilla, Nez Perce, and Wanapum before being settled by European settlers in the late 19th century.
The area is home to a number of attractions including Sacajawea State Park which offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking trails, boat launches and more; McNary National Wildlife Refuge which provides visitors with opportunities to observe over 250 species of birds; Columbia River Maritime Museum which showcases artifacts related to sailing on the Columbia River; and Fort Borst Park which features picnic areas and nature trails.
Franklin County also has a rich history that can be explored at locations such as Fort Walla Walla which was built during World War II and now serves as a museum dedicated to preserving its history; Historic Downtown Pasco which features several historic buildings from early settlers; Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park where visitors can explore ancient petrified wood formations; and Columbia National Wildlife Refuge where visitors can observe wildlife such as elk, deer, eagles and more in their natural habitat.
Notable people who have called Franklin County home include former U.S Senator Slade Gorton who served from 1981-1987; former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien who won two Super Bowls with Washington Redskins; baseball Hall-of-Famer Ty Cobb who played for Pasco High School before going on to become one of Major League Baseball’s greatest players; actor/comedian Steve Martin who grew up in nearby Richland; and singer/songwriter Bing Crosby who was born in Tacoma but moved to Franklin County when he was six years old.
Franklin County offers visitors plenty of attractions that showcase its rich history while also providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping or bird watching. Whether you’re looking for historical sites or recreational activities there’s something here for everyone.
Climate and weather in Franklin County, Washington
According to act-test-centers.com, the climate of Franklin County, Washington is a semi-arid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The county experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, with temperatures varying significantly between them.
During the summer months, temperatures in Franklin County typically range from mid to high 70s Fahrenheit (20-25 Celsius). This warm weather is accompanied by low humidity levels, meaning that it is generally comfortable and not overly muggy. There can be occasional heat waves during this season as well, with temperatures climbing to the upper 90s (35+ Celsius).
When autumn arrives, temperatures begin to cool down significantly. Average highs during this season range from the mid 50s Fahrenheit (10-15 Celsius), while overnight lows can dip into the 30s (0-5 Celsius). While there may be occasional rain showers during this time of year, precipitation levels are generally quite low.
Winter in Franklin County is cold and often snowy. Average highs typically stay below freezing at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 Celsius), while lows can dip into the teens or single digits (-10 to -5 Celsius). Snowfall varies drastically from year to year but can reach up to 20 inches (50 cm) in some areas.
Finally, spring brings a pleasant reprieve from winter’s chill as temperatures gradually begin to rise. Average highs during this season range from the mid 50s Fahrenheit (10-15 Celsius), while overnight lows stay above freezing at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4-5 Celsius). Rainfall increases during this time of year as well with occasional thunderstorms possible.
Franklin County enjoys a pleasant climate all year round with plenty of sunshine and minimal precipitation throughout most of the seasons. This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor recreation or simply enjoying some fresh air and sunshine.
Transportation in Franklin County, Washington
Franklin County, Washington offers residents and visitors alike a wide variety of transportation options. The county is served by a number of highways, including Interstate 90, US Highway 395, and US Highway 12. These highways make it easy to get around the county and to access neighboring cities. In addition to these major highways, there are also many smaller roads and highways which connect Franklin County’s towns and villages.
Public transportation is also available in Franklin County. The Franklin County Public Transportation Authority (FCPTA) operates bus routes throughout the county as well as connecting nearby cities like Spokane and Wenatchee. Additionally, the FCPTA operates a vanpool system that allows people to share rides with others who live or work in the same area.
For those who prefer to travel by train, Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops at several stations in Franklin County on its route from Chicago to Seattle/Portland. This train offers passengers a comfortable ride with plenty of amenities such as free Wi-Fi access and snack bars onboard.
For air travelers, the Pangborn Memorial Airport is located in East Wenatchee in neighboring Douglas County. This airport offers daily flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as well as other destinations throughout the United States and Canada.
Finally, bicycle riders will find plenty of routes for leisurely trips or longer journeys throughout Franklin County’s scenic countryside. There are numerous trails suited for all levels of riders – from easy paved trails suitable for families with young children to more challenging mountain bike paths for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.
Franklin County provides its residents and visitors alike with plenty of options when it comes to getting around whether it be by car, bus, train or bike.
Cities and towns in Franklin County, Washington
Franklin County, Washington is home to a number of cities and towns, all of which offer residents and visitors alike plenty to do and see. The county seat is Pasco, a vibrant city located along the Columbia River. Pasco has a variety of attractions including the Franklin County Historical Museum, the Three Rivers Convention Center, and the Columbia River waterfront. The city also boasts plenty of shopping opportunities, with numerous stores located throughout downtown Pasco.
According to countryaah, Connerly is a small town located in Franklin County’s southwestern corner. This town is known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of nearby mountains. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Connerly, from mountain biking trails to hiking paths that lead to hidden waterfalls.
Kahlotus is another small town located in Franklin County’s southeastern corner. This town has been around since the late 1800s and still retains much of its original charm. Kahlotus has several historical sites including an old-fashioned general store and several churches dating back to the early 20th century.
Mesa is situated on the western side of Franklin County near US Highway 12. This small town has a unique mix of rural charm combined with modern amenities like an outdoor swimming pool and several restaurants. Visitors will also find plenty of outdoor activities in Mesa such as camping, fishing, hunting, and boating at nearby lakes or rivers.
Finally, West Richland is one of Franklin County’s larger cities with over 10,000 residents living within its borders. West Richland offers visitors many activities such as swimming at local pools or playing golf at one of the area’s courses as well as plenty of restaurants for dining out or grabbing a bite on-the-go.
no matter what type of activity you are looking for or what kind of atmosphere you prefer, there are many cities and towns within Franklin County that have something for everyone.
