Information
Landmark: Badger Mountain TrailCity: Kennewick
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America
Badger Mountain Trail, Kennewick, USA Washington, North America
Overview
Badger Mountain Trail, tucked into Richland, Washington, draws hikers from all over and winds through the sweeping hills of the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, consequently spread across more than 1,800 acres of protected land, this preserve stands as a key natural landmark in the Tri-Cities area, inviting locals and visitors to hike its trails, breathe in the pine-scented air, and take in sweeping views of the region, perhaps You’ll find the main entrance to Badger Mountain Trail at Trailhead Park, 1294 White Bluffs Street in Richland, where the gravel path starts just beyond the parking lot, while you’ll find plenty of parking at the trailhead, which opens onto a network of paths twisting through pine-scented slopes and climbing toward the mountain’s peak, for the most part Because it’s so close to the city, the preserve is easy to reach-just a short drive and you’re walking under quiet, leafy trees, not only that badger Mountain isn’t just one path-it’s a web of well-kept trails, some short and easy, others long and steep enough to make your calves burn, occasionally These trails welcome hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, but in a few stretches-like the narrow path shaded by tall pines-you’ll have to roam on foot, while among the key trails, Canyon Trail stands out-it’s a favorite for hikers and offers one of the most direct climbs to the summit, with switchbacks that cut through sunlit pines.The trail stretches about 3.25 miles roundtrip and climbs steeply, gaining roughly 1,195 feet-enough to leave your calves burning by the halfway point, as well as the trail climbs the northeastern side of Badger Mountain, leading hikers to a summit where the wind smells faintly of sage and the view stretches wide-taking in the Columbia and Yakima Rivers, the spread of the Tri-Cities below, and far-off peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.The Canyon Trail is reserved for hikers, drawing in those who crave a tough climb and the sound of boots crunching over loose gravel, then the Skyline Trail runs about 5.8 miles roundtrip, climbing gently as it winds along the mountain’s ridgeline, where the air smells crisp and piney, to some extent You’ll climb about 1,100 feet, with wide-open views unfolding as you make your way along the trail, at the same time hikers wander through shifting scenery-sagebrush underfoot, swaying native grasses, and bursts of balsamroot glowing yellow in the sun.Hiking this trail, you’ll come across a weathered stone monument marking the highest shoreline of ancient Lake Lewis, a remnant of Ice Age floods that gives the route both geological intrigue and a touch of history, subsequently sagebrush Trail is a 1.8‑mile round trip of moderate challenge, beginning at Trailhead Park and weaving through dry, fragrant sagebrush, with glimpses of the Columbia River shimmering below.It links up with the Skyline and Langdon Trails, so hikers can stretch their trek into longer loops-maybe passing a patch of sunlit wildflowers along the way, likewise the Langdon Trail runs about six miles roundtrip, winding high above an apple orchard where you can catch the scent of ripening fruit, and offers a moderate challenge.It connects to trails like Skyline and Sagebrush, so you can mix and match your route-maybe start under the pines and finish in open grassland, subsequently badger Flats Trail is a short, easy path-just 0.6 miles-perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxed stroll under the pines, loosely The trail winds gently through wide stretches of sagebrush, with barely any climb, making it ideal for an easy hike and spotting wildlife rustling in the grass, furthermore badger Mountain’s trails wind through a patchwork of Columbia Basin habitats, from sun‑baked sagebrush steppe to soft sways of native grass dotted with sparkling wildflowers.The preserve teems with life-hawks circling high overhead, songbirds darting through the trees, chipmunks rustling in the underbrush, and sun-warmed turtles resting on the banks, to boot in spring and early summer, when wildflowers spill luminous color across the hills, the landscape invites both nature photography and close study of the season’s plants.Hiking the Badger Mountain Trail means catching breathtaking views at every turn, with the summit offering a sweeping panorama where hills roll out beneath a wide, quiet sky, as well as from these overlooks, hikers can watch the Columbia and Yakima Rivers meet, take in the spread of the Tri-Cities-Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco-and observe the distant Cascade and Rocky Mountains fading into the horizon, relatively From here, you can discover striking geological formations carved by the Missoula Floods-massive Ice Age torrents that once tore through the land, not only that along the Skyline Trail, a weathered stone monument marks where the shores of ancient Lake Lewis once reached, giving visitors a tangible link to the land’s deep geological history.Here, the trails weave through stunning scenery and historic landmarks, turning a simple hike into both an adventure and a lesson-like pausing at a weathered stone wall to imagine the people who built it, besides badger Mountain Trail welcomes all kinds of recreation, but it’s guided by rules that keep the land healthy and people reliable, generally Dogs are allowed-just keep them leashed, so the quail in the brush and fellow hikers can enjoy the path undisturbed, simultaneously on the trail, give way when you should-hikers step aside for horses, bikers measured down for hikers-and always be courteous while keeping the path clear of litter and leaves, more or less It seems, Leave No Trace: Pack up every scrap of trash-even that crumpled snack wrapper-and tread lightly so the land stays as you found it, then some paths are marked for hikers only, while others welcome bikes or horses-watch the signs closely, even the miniature wooden ones nailed to a post, almost At Trailhead Park and nearby entrances, you’ll find parking spots, clean restrooms, and kiosks stocked with trail maps, safety reminders, and local rules-sometimes with a fresh stack of leaflets still warm from the printer, equally important the trails remain rugged and mostly untouched, but the facilities-like shaded benches and clean restrooms-make the hike far more comfortable and help visitors feel ready for the journey.In a way, Badger Mountain Trail stays open all year, but each season shifts its mood-come spring or summer, radiant wildflowers line the path and the warm, dry air makes it the busiest time for hikers, at the same time in fall, the air turns crisp and leaves blaze red and gold, offering a change of scene that's every bit as stunning.In winter, trails can turn slick with ice or squishy with mud, so watch your step, furthermore snow doesn’t fall often, but it can, especially up in the mountains where the air feels sharp and thin.Before heading out, hikers should check the latest trail conditions and weather forecasts-like knowing if yesterday’s rain left the path slick with mud, besides badger Mountain Trail is a beloved gem in Richland and across the Tri-Cities, with paths that range from gentle climbs to tough treks, all set against the warm, dry sweep of desert-steppe.It blends movement with sweeping mountain views, rich stories from the past, and a deep respect for protecting the land, therefore whether you’re tackling the steep climb for sweeping views or wandering a gentle path lined with wildflowers and birdsong, Badger Mountain Trail leaves visitors with a vivid, lasting impression.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-05
