The River
Ravenwing’s Historic Stretch of Columbia River Waterfront
Looking southwest at The Bluffs at Ravenwing Ranch, and three beautifully integrated waterfront homes
We know that people love water—we want to look at it, be near it, be in it. We especially want to live by it.
Ravenwing wanted to get a better understanding of why, and dig a little deeper into this fundamental human drive. We’ve been researching and reading (check out Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols!) to try to more fully understand our relationship to water, and are excited to share four insights we’ve gained.
The Columbia River forms the eastern boundary of Ravenwing’s 640-acre property
WATER IS A NATURAL BOUNDARY
The Columbia River forms the eastern boundary of Ravenwing’s 640-acre property, providing over a mile of dedicated waterfront. People have long prioritized elevated locations with water boundaries, as they meet critical needs for safety and survival—water, food, and broad territorial sightlines are the essence of a protected position.
It is not surprising that people have lived on this stretch of the Columbia for millenia. Nor is it surprising that while modern survival has decidedly different challenges, we simply feel happier and more at ease in the same natural environments that always favored us.
WATER ORIENTS US TO light
Just outside of Wenatchee, WA, Ravenwing is positioned on the western bank of the Columbia. This means that, each morning, Ravenwing is bathed in direct morning light, as well as reflected light from the river.
The importance of daily sun exposure—particularly upon awakening—is well-documented for its role in improving and maintaining circadian rhythm, sleep quality, and mood. With each home at The Ranch naturally designed and oriented to maximize the beauty of river views, this regular exposure to morning sun is a secondary byproduct, but a truly beneficial one, and a unique attribute of the property’s prime position on the river.
Sunrise in The Bluffs at Ravenwing Ranch
“This is the huge advantage of water: you don’t need to meditate to take advantage of its healing effects, because it meditates you.”
—Wallace J. Nichols, Blue Mind
WATER IS A respite for CREATIVE brainS
In Blue Mind, Wallace Nichols outlines the many deeply impactful ways that the brain, and our entire nervous system, responds to being around water.
A worthwhile and informative read, a key finding is this: the brain is always suppressing background information that doesn’t matter, in order to better respond to what does. Dense, complicated environments require a high degree of background suppression from the brain, which is constant, demanding work.
More sparse and visually consistent surroundings, and particularly water, give the brain a break from background suppression. Consequently, for most folks, relaxation and creativity soar with regular proximity to water.
The banks of the Columbia seen from The Bluffs at Ravenwing Ranch
Looking up at The Bluffs from the banks of the Columbia
WATER IS A MeCCA FOR RECREATION
No research needed here—we know the river brings the fun! There’s a quarter mile of private beach and buoys for boating of all types, whether powered by muscle or motor. There’s year-round catch-and-release sturgeon fishing, and seasonal openings for sockeye and chinook salmon. There’s patio sunsets to catch, and a trail system to walk and ride. There are birds and wildlife to watch, open space to explore, and the resilience of the shrubsteppe ecosystem to admire. This is grounded, waterfront living at its best. And at Ravenwing, it’s all right outside your back door.
We’d love to show you around—schedule a private tour today.
