The best walks and hikes in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve

The Red Mountain – View of Badger Mountain loop from Trailhead Park offers a dynamic hiking experience through open grass slopes and native sagebrush landscapes. You'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Columbia River Basin and the Tri-Cities, with distant Cascade peaks like Mount Rainier visible on clear days. The route features a mix of well-maintained crushed rock paths and steeper sections, particularly if you opt for the challenging Canyon Trail with its 60+ steps and 15% grade. Spring transforms the hillsides with vibrant yellow balsamroot and purple lupin, making it a particularly scenic time to visit.

Starting from Trailhead Park, you'll find convenient amenities including restrooms and parking, making access straightforward. The trail system is open year-round, but spring is ideal for wildflower viewing, and the area is renowned for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions during the spring thaw, and always stick to the marked trails to preserve the fragile desert ecosystem.

This trail system is notable for its accessibility and variety, catering to different activity levels while offering a unique perspective on the Ice Age Floods that shaped the landscape, with markers indicating historical high-water levels. The presence of communication towers at the summit is a distinct feature, and benches are available at various points for resting. It's a fantastic option for a moderate 6.5-mile (10.4 km) hike with 1425 feet (434 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 17 minutes.

This moderate 4.3-mile (7.0 km) loop, known as the Badger Mountain – View of Badger Mountain loop from Candy Mountain Preserve, offers a fantastic hiking experience with 674 feet (205 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 3 minutes. You will hike through a classic shrub-steppe landscape, characterized by dryland grasses and sagebrush, with paths ranging from smooth gravel to rougher crushed rock. The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic views from Candy Mountain, where you can gaze across the White Bluffs of the Columbia River and spot distant Cascade peaks like Mount Adams and Mount Rainier on a clear day.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trails are generally well-maintained and popular among locals. While specific permit information is not typically required for this area, it is always a good idea to check local regulations. Parking is usually available at the trailheads, but arriving earlier in the day is recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds. Remember to bring plenty of water, as the exposed terrain can get warm, and dogs are welcome to join you on-leash.

Beyond the scenic beauty, this area holds significant geological and historical importance. Both Badger Mountain and Candy Mountain feature markers related to the Ice Age Floods, which shaped the landscape millions of years ago. You can observe diverse flora, particularly wildflowers in the spring, and keep an eye out for wildlife such as Meadow Larks, quail, and even coyotes. This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty, a good workout, and a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

The Chamna, Red Tail and River Trail Loop offers a delightful and accessible journey through the Chamna Natural Preserve, transitioning from arid shrub-steppe with towering old-growth sagebrush to lush riparian zones along the Yakima River. You'll enjoy picturesque river views and sections winding through a mystical, shadowy canopy, providing a sense of seclusion despite its urban proximity. This easy 3.3-mile (5.4 km) hike, with only 19 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing, taking about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the preserve is open year-round for hikers, bikers, equestrians, and birdwatchers. Be aware that the River and Peninsula Loop trails are susceptible to seasonal flooding, particularly during late winter and early spring, so it's wise to check conditions if you're visiting then. The flat landscape also makes it a great spot for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing if there's sufficient snow in colder months.

This trail is part of the Great Washington State Birding Trail Sun and Sage Loop, making it an exceptional destination for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded in the region. Beyond birds, you might spot black-tailed jackrabbits, river otters, deer, and coyotes, adding to the preserve's unique appeal as a "wilderness in the middle of a city." It's an ideal family-friendly hike for those seeking an easy, nature-filled escape.

The Chamna Natural Preserve outer loop offers a wonderfully diverse landscape, transitioning from arid shrub-steppe to vibrant wetland and riparian zones along the Yakima River. You'll find sections winding through a "shadowy, lush canopy," providing a cool, secluded feel, while other parts open up to views of the river habitat. It's a gentle 4.2-mile (6.8 km) hike with only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect, easy outing for about 1 hour and 42 minutes.

Planning your trip is simple, as the preserve is open year-round for hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. While the outer loop is generally well-maintained, be mindful that some of the lower-lying trails, particularly those closer to the river, can experience seasonal flooding in late winter and early spring. There's ample parking available, and informational signage helps you identify local flora and fauna.

This preserve is a true gem for wildlife enthusiasts, especially birdwatchers, as it's part of the Great Washington State Birding Trail and home to over 200 bird species. Beyond birds, you might spot black-tailed jackrabbits, river otters, or deer. The area also holds traces of its past as farmland, with remnants of old crops and an irrigation system, adding a layer of historical interest to your walk.

The Chamna Natural Preserve loop offers a delightful, easy hike through a surprisingly diverse landscape near Richland. You'll wander from dry desert shrub-steppe into lush wetlands and riparian areas along the Yakima River, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, especially birds. The flat terrain makes this 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route, with only 34 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, a perfect choice for a relaxed outing or a family adventure.

Planning your visit to the Chamna Natural Preserve is straightforward, though it's wise to check trail conditions, especially during late winter and early spring when some sections, like the River and Peninsula Loop trails, can experience seasonal flooding. This easy route typically takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a quick nature fix any time of year.

What makes this trail notable is its unique blend of ecosystems within a relatively small area, making it a prime spot for birdwatching as part of the Great Washington State Birding Trail. The preserve also holds historical remnants of its past as farmland, adding an interesting layer to your exploration. It's a multi-use trail system, welcoming hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders.