Information
Landmark: Badger Mountain Centennial PreserveCity: Kennewick
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America
Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, Kennewick, USA Washington, North America
Overview
Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, a 574-acre stretch of protected land, rests on the edge of Richland, Washington, where dusty trails wind through sunlit hills, and it’s one stretch of the sprawling Rattlesnake Ridge system, alongside Candy Mountain and the sun-baked slopes of Red Mountain.On the eastern edge of the Columbia River Basin, the preserve opens to sweeping views-silver ribbons of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers, green rows of vineyards nearby, and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams rising far in the distance, alternatively the preserve protects a rare slice of shrub-steppe-sagebrush rolling in the wind, tough grasses, and hardy plants built for the dry heat of southeastern Washington.This ecosystem keeps biodiversity thriving, sheltering native plants and wildlife shaped by the harsh, dry air, equally important the landscape is thick with sagebrush and dotted with rabbitbrush, their dusty leaves rattling in the wind, to some extent From late winter into early fall, the hills brighten with seasonal wildflowers-lupine, balsamroot, and splashes of red Indian paintbrush, after that native grasses and wildflowers hold the soil in area and give wildlife shelter, from nesting birds to rustling field mice.It appears, You’ll often spot mammals here-coyotes trotting along the ridge, mule deer grazing in the tall grass, and ground squirrels darting between rocks, in turn quail, hawks, kestrels, and now and then an eagle glide through the wide-open sky, drawn by the clear views and steady supply of prey.Curiously, Western fence lizards and the rare horned lizard thrive in the sunbaked, dry terrain, then badger Mountain Centennial Preserve is known for its sweeping trail system, where hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can wind through miles of sunlit paths and rugged terrain.Dogs are welcome on every trail, as long as they stay leashed-think of the soft click of a clasp before you head out, in addition the Canyon Trail runs about 3.2 miles round trip, climbing steeply-over 60 steps-before rewarding you with sweeping summit views of far-off mountains and the area where the Columbia meets the Yakima.The trail winds up through a narrow canyon, where cool shadows stretch across the path and strange rock shapes rise from the walls, furthermore the Skyline Trail loops about 6.8 miles, a moderate hike that traces the ridgeline and offers wide, breezy views of vineyards and the river basin below, sort of To be honest, The trail connects to several other paths, giving you the choice to stretch your hike or keep it quick-a fork in the dirt marked by a weathered wooden sign, at the same time mountain bikers love it for the thrill of tough climbs and the payoff of sweeping views.The Sagebrush Trail is a 1.8‑mile round trip with an easy-to-moderate climb, winding along a smooth gravel path through classic shrub-steppe where you might spot fragrant sagebrush and learn about the native ecosystem, not only that it links up with the Skyline Trail, so you can switch routes as you like-even duck onto a shaded path when the sun gets too boiling, not entirely Oddly enough, Badger Flats Trail is an easy 0.6‑mile round trip, perfect for families or anyone wanting a gentle stroll past pine-scented air and quiet meadows, in conjunction with the trail winds through wide sagebrush flats, where the air smells faintly of sun-warmed leaves and the sky stretches, unbroken, above you.The Langdon Trail runs about six miles round trip, with a moderate climb, winding past farm fields and an apple orchard where the scent of ripe fruit drifts through the air, blending wild scenery with cultivated land, furthermore you can reach this trail from several main routes, which makes for a welcome change in your hiking choices-one path even passes a stream that smells faintly of pine.Trailhead Park at 1288 White Bluffs Street offers parking and is the main gateway to the Sagebrush Trail, where dusty paths branch off toward other scenic routes, also westgate Trailhead is a busy gateway with parking and restrooms, where hikers set out toward the Canyon and Skyline Trails.You’ll find parking at both main trailheads, with plenty of space for day hikers-enough for a row of dusty SUVs and a couple of bikes leaning against the fence, on top of that at Westgate Trailhead, you’ll find restrooms, plus kiosks with trail maps and helpful info-one board even has a weathered map pinned under glass.The preserve stays open all year, but summer heat can be intense, often climbing past 90°F (32°C) and making the air shimmer above the trails, in turn in summer, it’s best to hit the trail early in the morning or wait until late afternoon, when the sun’s glare has softened and the air feels cooler.It appears, Spring and fall feel the most comfortable, offering mild days and, in spring, hillsides dotted with radiant wildflowers, to boot you can visit in winter, but higher elevations might get a dusting of snow or a slick layer of ice, so bring sturdy boots and tread carefully, to some extent At Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, the nonprofit Friends of Badger Mountain keep the trails clear, restore native habitats, and lead educational programs, from guided wildflower walks to hands-on cleanup days, as well as the preserve is a vital part of the community, where people can hike shaded trails while its wildlife and habitats are carefully protected.Volunteers turn up often to care for the land, pulling stubborn weeds by hand and fixing worn sections of trail, a clear sign of the community’s commitment to protecting this one-of-a-kind landscape, as a result at Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, you’ll find sweeping views, a good stretch for your legs, and the quiet beauty of open hills.The preserve gives you a quiet retreat into one of the region’s last untouched stretches of shrub-steppe, where winding trails lead to empty overlooks and wide, windblown views, furthermore you might climb to the summit for sweeping views, wander easy paths lined with fragrant sagebrush, or take a relaxed stroll with the kids-the preserve draws you into the Columbia Basin’s natural heritage while encouraging fresh-air adventures and care for the land.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-05
