Easy hikes and walks in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve
4.4
(16)
328
hikers
23
hikes
If you've ever tried to plan hiking in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails crisscrossing the slopes, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which might just be filler. We get it – you want the highlights, not the guesswork.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community has mapped, walked, and reviewed countless routes here, giving us a real-world perspective on what…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.9
(7)
56
hikers
5.25km
01:42
230m
230m
The Badger Skyline Trail offers a rewarding experience with diverse terrain and expansive views, making it a popular choice for a quick escape. You'll hike on a 3.5-foot-wide path of…
5.0
(2)
49
hikers
5.63km
01:38
160m
160m
The Candy Mountain Trail offers a rewarding, easy hike through open shrub-steppe terrain, culminating in panoramic 360-degree views from its summit. As you ascend this 3.5-mile (5.6 km) route, you'll…
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5.0
(3)
44
hikers
4.38km
01:30
240m
240m
The Badger Mountain loop from Trailhead Park offers a fantastic, quick escape into the shrub-steppe landscape, delivering sweeping views that make the initial climb well worth it. You'll traverse trails…
5.37km
01:21
10m
10m
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…
3.0
(1)
5
hikers
6.78km
01:43
10m
10m
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…
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Tips from the Community
Chamna Natural Preserve is a 276-acre property that features more than 11 miles of trails open to different user groups. There are informational signs along some of the paths explaining facts about the different flora and fauna that call the preserve home. There are lots of trails in the network, so you can create a loop of almost any distance.
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The Sagebrush Trail meanders alongside the slopes of Badger Mountain, offering relatively easy terrain and stunning vistas of arid sagebrush throughout most seasons. This trail serves as a key connector to several others in the vicinity.
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Chamna Natural Preserve spans over 276 acres and features more than 11 miles of trails perfect for mountain biking. Signage throughout the preserve aids navigation and offers insights into the diverse flora and fauna found in the area.
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The Candy Mountain Trail leads to the viewpoint atop Candy Mountain. Along the way, you'll spot a boulder marking the highest point of ancient Lake Lewis, formed during the Ice Age Floods. After a short distance, the trail gets a bit steeper, offering a moderate challenge. At the summit, you can enjoy views of the valley.
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The summit offers a beautiful view of the valley. The summit itself is on private land, graciously made accessible to the public by the landowners. Once you take in the views please head back the way you came.
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Badger Mountain is a small but stunning peak that provides scenic vistas of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, collectively known as the Tri-Cities, from its summit. This is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the views.
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Badger Mountain is a small mountain that overlooks Richland, Kennewick and Pasco. From the peak, there are great views of the tri-cities.
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Badger Mountain is a small mountain that overlooks Richland, Kennewick and Pasco. From the peak, there are great views of the tri-cities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve?
Badger Mountain Natural Preserve offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with 16 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are 20 hiking routes available in the preserve.
Are there any family-friendly easy hikes in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve?
Yes, several trails are suitable for families. The Langdon Trail, for instance, is known for its easy grade and wildflowers, making it a family-friendly option. Many of the preserve's well-maintained, crushed-rock trails are suitable for various skill levels, including easy strolls.
Can I bring my dog on the easy trails in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve?
The preserve is generally dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations. Most multi-use trails accommodate dogs, but they should be kept on a leash. Remember to bring plenty of water for both yourself and your dog, especially during warmer months.
What kind of views can I expect on the easy hiking trails?
Even on easy trails, you can expect stunning panoramic views. Badger Mountain rises to 1,579 feet, offering unobstructed vistas of the Columbia Basin, the Yakima River Valley, and distant peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. From the summit, accessible via various trails, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the Tri-Cities.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the easy trails?
The preserve boasts diverse landscapes. You'll encounter old-growth sagebrush, native grasses, and seasonal wildflowers such as wild onions, native cactus, and mariposa lilies. Some trails even skirt a sprawling apple orchard. Notable points include the Sagebrush Trail and the Langdon Trail, which showcase these features. The Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve also offers great viewpoints.
Are there any circular easy hikes in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve?
Yes, there are circular options available. For example, the Badger Mountain loop from Trailhead Park is an easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) trail that leads through varied terrain and is often completed in about 1 hour 28 minutes.
What is the best time of year to hike the easy trails in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve?
The preserve is enjoyable year-round. However, spring offers beautiful seasonal wildflowers, while fall provides pleasant temperatures. Summer visits require ample water and sun protection due to the desert environment. Winter can be beautiful but check for ice or snow conditions.
Where can I park for easy access to the trails?
The preserve has two main trailheads: the Badger Mountain Trailhead and the Westgate Trailhead, both offering convenient access. For more detailed information on parking, you can visit the National Park Service page for Trailhead Park at Badger Mountain.
What kind of wildlife might I see on the easy trails?
Badger Mountain Natural Preserve is home to various wildlife. Hikers might spot coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, black-tailed jackrabbits, and mule deer. Keep an eye out, especially during quieter times of the day.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 15 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained trails, the diverse landscapes, and the stunning panoramic views that are accessible even on easy routes.
Are there any easy trails that offer a less strenuous option?
Yes, the Badger Flats Trail offers a less strenuous option, following the lowlands through sagebrush and desert grasses. This trail provides a gentle experience while still allowing you to enjoy the preserve's natural beauty.
What is the typical duration for an easy hike in the preserve?
Easy hikes in Badger Mountain Natural Preserve vary in duration. For example, the Badger Skyline Trail, which is 3.3 miles (5.2 km), typically takes about 1 hour 41 minutes to complete. Another popular easy route, Candy Mountain Trail (3.5 miles / 5.6 km), takes around 1 hour 38 minutes.
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