Badger Mountain Trail | Kennewick

Badger Mountain Trail is a renowned hiking destination located in Richland, Washington, and is part of the larger Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve. This preserve spans over 1,800 acres of protected open space and serves as an important natural landmark within the Tri-Cities area, offering residents and visitors a combination of outdoor recreation, natural beauty, and panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Location and Access

The primary access point for Badger Mountain Trail is Trailhead Park, located at 1294 White Bluffs Street in Richland. The trailhead offers ample parking and serves as the gateway to multiple interconnected trails that wind around and ascend the mountain. The preserve’s proximity to urban areas makes it highly accessible, providing an ideal escape into nature without extensive travel.

Trail Network and Routes

Badger Mountain Trail is not a single path but rather a network of well-maintained trails varying in length and difficulty. These trails accommodate a range of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, though some sections may be restricted to foot traffic only.

Key trails within the network include:

Canyon Trail:
This is one of the most popular and direct routes to the summit. Spanning approximately 3.25 miles roundtrip, it features a steep and challenging climb with an elevation gain of around 1,195 feet. The trail ascends the northeastern slopes of Badger Mountain and offers hikers rewarding views at the summit, including sweeping panoramas of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers, the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, and distant mountain peaks such as Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. The Canyon Trail is strictly for hiking, making it a favorite for those seeking a vigorous workout.

Skyline Trail:
The Skyline Trail stretches about 5.8 miles roundtrip and provides a more gradual ascent as it follows the mountain’s ridgeline. It features an elevation gain near 1,100 feet and offers expansive vistas along the route. Hikers experience diverse landscapes characterized by sagebrush, native grasses, and seasonal wildflowers like balsamroot. Along this trail, visitors can find a historical monument marking the maximum shoreline of ancient Lake Lewis, formed by Ice Age floods, adding a geological and cultural dimension to the hike.

Sagebrush Trail:
At approximately 1.8 miles roundtrip with a moderate difficulty level, this trail starts at Trailhead Park and winds through arid sagebrush ecosystems, providing views of the Columbia River below. It connects with the Skyline and Langdon Trails, allowing hikers to create longer loop routes.

Langdon Trail:
Running about 6 miles roundtrip, the Langdon Trail is notable for its scenic passage above an apple orchard and offers moderate difficulty. It interlinks with other trails like Skyline and Sagebrush, allowing flexible hiking options.

Badger Flats Trail:
This is a shorter, easier trail of about 0.6 miles, ideal for beginners or those seeking a gentle walk. The trail meanders through open sagebrush fields and low elevation gain, perfect for casual strolls and nature observation.

Natural Environment and Wildlife

Badger Mountain and its trail system traverse several ecological zones typical of the Columbia Basin, featuring sagebrush steppe, native grasses, and wildflowers. The preserve supports a variety of wildlife, including birds such as hawks and songbirds, small mammals, and reptiles. The landscape offers excellent opportunities for nature photography and seasonal plant observation, particularly in spring and early summer when wildflowers bloom in abundance.

Scenic and Historical Significance

One of the defining features of hiking Badger Mountain Trail is the extraordinary panoramic views available from various points along the trails, especially at the summit. From these vantage points, hikers can observe the convergence of the Columbia and Yakima Rivers, the urban sprawl of the Tri-Cities (Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco), and the surrounding Cascade and Rocky Mountain ranges. The vista also includes views of significant geological features shaped by the Missoula Floods, ancient cataclysmic floods from the last Ice Age.

The monument on the Skyline Trail commemorates the shoreline of the prehistoric Lake Lewis, connecting visitors to the area's geological past. This intersection of natural beauty and history enriches the hiking experience, providing educational context alongside outdoor adventure.

Trail Usage and Regulations

Badger Mountain Trail supports diverse recreational use but follows regulations to protect the environment and ensure safety:

Pets: Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times to protect local wildlife and other trail users.

Trail Etiquette: Visitors are encouraged to yield appropriately-hikers yield to horses, bikers yield to hikers, and everyone should be courteous and maintain a clean trail.

Leave No Trace: Users are expected to pack out all trash and minimize impact on the natural surroundings.

Trail Restrictions: Some trails or sections may be designated for hikers only, while others allow biking and equestrian use, so signage should be observed carefully.

Facilities and Visitor Amenities

At Trailhead Park and surrounding entry points, visitors will find parking, restrooms, and informational kiosks offering trail maps, safety tips, and local guidelines. While the trails themselves are natural and minimally developed, these facilities enhance visitor comfort and preparedness.

Seasonal Considerations

Badger Mountain Trail is accessible year-round, but conditions vary with seasons:

Spring and Summer: Wildflowers bloom, weather is generally warm and dry, making it the most popular time for hiking.

Fall: Cooler temperatures and changing foliage provide a different but equally striking experience.

Winter: Trails may be icy or muddy, requiring caution. Snowfall is infrequent but possible, particularly at higher elevations.

Hikers should always check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before visiting.

Summary

Badger Mountain Trail is a treasured natural asset of the Richland and greater Tri-Cities area, offering a blend of challenging and moderate hiking opportunities within a striking desert-steppe environment. It combines physical activity with breathtaking scenery, historical interpretation, and environmental preservation. Whether seeking a rigorous ascent to enjoy panoramic views or a relaxed stroll among native plants and wildlife, visitors find Badger Mountain Trail to be a rewarding and memorable outdoor destination.