The best running trails around West Richland

The Riverfront Trail loop from Richland offers a delightful jogging experience, tracing the banks of the Columbia River with continuous scenic views. You'll pass through several well-maintained parks, including Columbia Point Marina Park and Howard Amon Park, enjoying green spaces, public art, and even glimpses of wildlife like deer and pheasants. The trail is predominantly paved, providing a smooth surface for your run, though some sections may introduce gravel and dirt, adding a bit of variety to the terrain.

This moderate 4.9-mile (7.9 km) jogging route, with a gentle 72 feet (22 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 49 minutes to complete. Restrooms are available at key points like Columbia Point Marina Park and Leslie Groves Park, making it convenient for longer outings. While mostly flat, be aware of gentle inclines and some potentially uneven asphalt, particularly north of Howard Amon Park. It's a great option for a refreshing run or a family-friendly jog, with plenty of amenities along the way.

As a significant part of the larger 23-mile Sacagawea Heritage Trail, this loop offers a taste of the Tri-Cities' extensive trail network. A unique highlight is the USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park at the northern end, featuring a decommissioned nuclear submarine's sail and historical insights into the Hanford Site. The trail also boasts playgrounds, benches, and picnic areas, making it a versatile destination for both active pursuits and leisurely enjoyment by the river.

The Sagebrush Trail – View of Badger Mountain loop offers a challenging jogging experience through arid sagebrush and open dryland grass slopes, providing spectacular panoramic views of the Tri-Cities and the Columbia and Yakima Rivers. This difficult 6.7-mile (10.8 km) route features a wide, crushed rock surface with 1299 feet (396 metres) of elevation gain, making it a rewarding workout for experienced runners. You'll navigate switchbacks as you climb, eventually reaching viewpoints that can reveal distant Cascade peaks on clear days.

To plan your visit, head to Trailhead Park for parking, keeping in mind that the lot can fill up quickly during peak times. The trail is multi-use, so expect to share the path with hikers, bikers, and equestrians. It's wise to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and be aware that rattlesnakes have been sighted on the trail in summer. This loop is best tackled when you're ready for a sustained climb and want to enjoy the expansive vistas.

This particular loop is a key part of the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, an area known for its diverse micro-environments and native plant life. The Sagebrush Trail itself was rerouted in 2018 to offer a more gradual ascent, bypassing the steep steps of the Canyon Trail, and stands out as the widest trail on Badger Mountain. Its development and maintenance are a testament to significant community effort, making it a well-loved local resource for outdoor activity.

If you're looking for a substantial jogging challenge with big views, the Sagebrush Trail – View of Badger Mountain loop from Trailhead Park delivers. This difficult 14.6-mile (23.6 km) route climbs 2343 feet (714 metres) through open dryland grass and dense sagebrush, offering continuous panoramic vistas of the Tri-Cities and the Columbia Basin. The wide, crushed-rock path makes for a consistent surface, perfect for a long, steady effort that takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete.

Access is straightforward from Trailhead Park, which serves as a hub for the Badger Mountain trail network. The trail is popular and multi-use, accommodating joggers, hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders, with leashed dogs welcome. While the ascent is designed to be gradual with switchbacks, the overall elevation gain means you should be prepared for a solid workout, especially during warmer months when rattlesnakes can be present.

The Sagebrush Trail stands out as one of the broader and more consistently graded paths up Badger Mountain, making it a favorite for those who prefer a less steep climb to the summit. Its strategic connections to trails like Langdon and Skyline allow for diverse loop options, catering to different distance preferences. This trail is a testament to the region's commitment to accessible outdoor recreation, providing a rewarding experience amidst the unique high desert landscape.