Hiking is a perfect way to get outside and be active, and the Tri-Cities area offers many excellent hiking options. From easy wandering paths to more challenging and elevated hikes, there is something for most ability levels. Pack your sense of adventure and check out one of these five hikes in the Tri-Cities.
Chamna Natural Preserve
Chamna Natural Preserve is a beautiful area that runs along the Yakima River. The paths vary in length, from a quarter of a mile to over 11 miles. There is no noticeable elevation change throughout the trails, making this hike relatively easy. You’ll be hiking at about 375 feet above sea level. The lush nearby wild growth is an excellent place to see wildlife, especially birds. You can find the trailhead by turning onto Jadwin towards the river by Beaver Bark. Drive across the overpass and turn right at the railroad tracks. Drive until you find the stone Chamna sign and turn right again. Continue until you see the parking area just a little way in. This hike would be great for children — just plan your desired length according to their endurance levels.
Badger Mountain
Badger Mountain has several different trails for you to hike. Many branch out from the main trailheads on the front and backside of the mountain. One of these trails is found on the front side of Badger Mountain at Trailhead Park (525 Queensgate Drive) in Richland. This trailhead features the Badger Mountain Canyon Trail. It’s 1.2 miles to the top of the mountain, and the elevation starts at 750 feet and ascends to 1,543 feet. This hike ranges in difficulty from easy to moderate since there is an alternative route that ascends more gradually.
The backside of the mountain is found off Dallas Road. This trailhead is tucked away on 210 Private Road — a small dirt road. The trailhead on this mountainside splits into two different trails — the Skyline Trail and the Orchard View Trail. Round trip, the Skyline Trail is 4.1 miles and is of moderate difficulty. Elevation starts at 864 feet and reaches 1,582 feet. The Orchard View Trail is a spur trail .5 miles into the Skyline Trail. Take a right at the fork in the trail, and you’ll be on the five-mile round trip trail that spans the nearby orchard. Elevation for this trail starts at 750 feet and rises to 1,598 as you get to the top of the mountain.
Candy Mountain
Candy Mountain has two hikes — Candy Mountain and Candy Mountain Summit Trail. The Candy Mountain Trail is difficult, with rapid elevation gain. Round-trip, the whole hike is 1.4 miles. Elevation starts at 650 feet and ends at 1,434 feet. Candy Mountain can be found off Hershey Lane in West Richland. After following the winding road, you’ll come to a dirt area for parking and begin your hike.
The other hike, Candy Mountain Summit Trail, is 3.2 miles round-trip. A unique feature of the Candy Mountain Summit Trail is that many plaques are mounted with plant identification for many of the native wildflowers and grasses in the area. This hike is considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty. The first .75 mile is relatively flat. After that, the elevation begins to increase. Elevation starts at 840 feet and ascends to 1,385 feet. Candy Mountain Summit Trail can be found off of Dallas Road in West Richland. Turn onto 669 PRNE Road and go until you find the parking lot on your right.
Bateman Island
Bateman Island is an easy, mostly flat hike. The island has a 2.8-mile loop with several side trails that lead to the riverside. This simple hike is calm and quiet, surrounded by the Columbia River. This makes it perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the greenery. The elevation remains steady at river level, 300 feet. You can find this hike by parking in a parking lot on Columbia Park Trail next to Wye Park. Go through the chain-link fence and hike down a slight decline to the land bridge that takes you across to the island. This hike would be suitable for kids but be aware that the length might be challenging for some.
Zintel Canyon: Spirit of America Trail
Zintel Canyon’s Spirit of America Trail is an easy 1.2-mile loop with an additional footpath splitting off shortly after the hike begins. Zintel Canyon is a pleasant surprise you wouldn’t necessarily expect at its location. Trees and other growth surround this hike. The path stays at 370 feet above sea level, with minimal ups and downs. The first quarter-mile is paved but turns to a dusty road after that. You can find this family-friendly hike at Zintel Canyon Playground on Vancouver Street in Kennewick.
If you’re looking for more in-depth descriptions, maps, and photographs of these and other trails, head over to Hikthetricities.com, which has an extensive list of even more hikes in the area.
