Skyline Trail, Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve

The Badger Mountain Skyline Loop offers a fantastic hiking experience near the Tri-Cities, winding through open grass slopes and sagebrush with panoramic views. You'll traverse well-graded gravel and dirt paths, including the crushed rock of the Skyline Trail, as you make your way around the mountain. The route provides stunning vistas of the Columbia River, the Tri-Cities, and distant peaks like Mount Rainier and Mount Adams on clear days, especially from the Badger Mountain summit.

This moderate 5.7-mile (9.1 km) loop, with 724 feet (221 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes to complete. It's accessible year-round, though summer hikes are best done early or late in the day due to full sun exposure. You'll find restrooms at the trailhead, and dogs are welcome on leash, making it a great option for a family-friendly outing.

What makes this trail truly stand out is its unique semi-arid ecosystem, shaped by the ancient Missoula Floods, which you can learn about at a monument along the Skyline Trail. The spring months (April and May) are particularly beautiful, when the desert landscape comes alive with vibrant yellow balsamroot and purple lupin wildflowers, offering a memorable visual treat.

The Sagebrush Trail – Badger Mountain loop from Trailhead Park offers a diverse and scenic hiking experience, providing an easier route to the summit than some other trails. You'll traverse wide, crushed rock paths through open dryland grasses and old-growth sagebrush, enjoying continuous panoramic views of the Columbia Basin, the Tri-Cities, and even distant Cascade peaks. The trail's gentle switchbacks make the 858 feet (261 metres) of elevation gain feel manageable, leading you to viewpoints that stretch across the landscape.

This moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) hike, which typically takes about 2 hours and 36 minutes, starts conveniently from Trailhead Park where you'll find restrooms and water. Since there's no shade along the route, plan your visit for cooler parts of the day, especially in summer. Dogs are permitted on a leash, making it a great option for a family-friendly hike.

Badger Mountain is a beloved local destination, and this Sagebrush Trail loop is one of the most popular routes for good reason. It bypasses the steep steps of the Canyon Trail, offering a more gradual ascent while still connecting to other trails like the Skyline Trail for varied loop configurations. In spring, the mountain bursts with yellow and purple wildflowers, adding another layer of beauty to the natural features of this unique sagebrush landscape.

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.