Estimated Hike Distance: 3 miles and 880 ft. climb R.T. to high point. To the end of the ridge, 7 miles and 1120 ft. climb R.T.
Time Needed: 2 hours R.T. to high point, 4-5 hours R.T. to ridge end
Level: Moderate to Long
Highlights: Moderate climb to a long ridge with views of the Hanford Project, Benton City and Richland. Between Rattlesnake and Candy Mountains. Accessible year round.
Directions: While driving west on the last, straight stretch of the main road through West Richland (highway 224), observe Red Mountain looming directly ahead. Continue 0.2 mile past the Tri-Cities Raceway's entrance and turn right onto Red Mountain Rd. In about 100 feet, look for a gravel road on the left leading to a power substation. Park along the road and start walking. No facilities here or any place on the hike.
Suggested Route: Follow the dirt road, along the power lines, across the nearly flat, ½ mile approach to the end of the ridge. The road continues up the hill and forks in several places; just keep heading up the end of the ridge until the 1410 ft. high point is attained at 1 ½ miles and 880 ft. elevation gain from the parking spot. Take in the views.
The ridge can be followed northwest another 2 miles to a barbed-wire fence for closer views of Benton City, Rattlesnake Mountain and the Yakima River - a pleasant stroll with some ups and downs. From the high point (1 ½ miles from the parking spot), on a small, 1173 ft. knob which overlooks the Yakima River. Turn around and return to parking spot on the same trail, regaining the 240 ft. elevation back to the high point.
Flat Top Mountain
Estimated Hike Distance: 1 mile R.T.
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Level: Moderately easy, steep and short
Highlights: Lovely views of Tri-Cities and panoramic view of surrounding areas; e.g., views of Jumpoff Joe, Badger Mountain, Candy Mountain, Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Mountain and Hanford area. Especially beautiful at night under a full moon and excellent place near the Tri-Cities to get in shape for other hikes--it's a good workout especially with a pack on one's back!
Directions: Take Van Giesen through West Richland (1 mile after crossing the Yakima River). Turn left on 38th Street (one block west of Bombing Range Road) and park in West Richland Transit Center parking lot next to Flat Top Park (5 minute drive from by-pass).
Suggested Route: Look west from the parking lot to the high point and notice a 13 ft. white cross on top of Flat Top Mountain. Head straight to the top of the mountain taking the abandoned Jeep road--the trail is to the right of sign marked "NO MOTORIZED TRAFFIC". Climb steeply 340 ft. to 760 ft. top of mountain and enjoy the view. Trail starts out gradually but is very sandy and gets quite steep--also a little rocky in spots. It takes about 25 minutes to climb up if resting frequently and 7 minutes to descend. Boots are recommended although most climb it in sneakers.
One can wander around on top of mountain which is owned by City of West Richland. Incidently, Easter sunrise services are held on top of Flat Top Mountain; a wonderful experience with a variety of weather at 5:30 a.m. For the return (or even the ascent), there is a road up the back of the mountain that eventually hooks up with the parking area--less steep and through a newly developed area.
A great hike--and close by--wonderful views and a real workout!
W.E. Johnson Park
Estimated Hike Distance: 7 miles R.T.
Time Needed: 4 - 6 hours
Terrain: Level dirt paths and old dirt roads.
Highlights: Varied riverfront and lowland vegetation and wildlife. Solitude. part of Tapteal Greenway.
Directions: Turn south from Van Giesen onto Chester next to Wood's Nursery. Continue one-half mile to gate and parking is on the right. To reach the south end of this hike, take Jadwin over freeway to new Richland sewer plant and turn right. Find bike path at the bottom of the hill.
Suggested Route: Hike south past the gate onto gravel road. When the gravel road makes a large swing to the right, turn off to the left onto old dirt road. The junction is obscure but the route soon becomes easy to follow. Bear right at fork to two equally good paths (the right? fork will also go but it is easier to get lost). Continue to another gate and go up a slight rise. Follow old roads and paths near top of low bluff. There are excellent views of the flowing river along here. Many dead-end paths give access to the river shore. Pick up the bicycle path on approaching the Interstate bridge and follow it to the road. Better yet, turn right after passing the bridge and wander on a maze of dirt roads through extensive lowland area.
Yakima River Delta - Photos
Estimated Hike Distance: 1-4 miles
Time Needed: Up to 4 hours
Level: Moderate
Highlights: Riverside walking and a few river views as well.
Directions: From I-182, take Exit 3A (Queensgate south). Turn right, go through the traffic light, and turn at the first left onto Columbia Park Trail. Turn on the second left onto Valley View Rd. One more left at the tee onto View Dr. (dead end). Continue onto the gravel road to the end and park near the overpass.
Suggested Route: Start by going under the overpass. For a combination of river bottom and heights it is suggested to take a right just past a small spring. Following dusty roads (littered with shotgun shells--warning here: wear bright colors during hunting season), you can find some paths directly to the river's edge but no way to walk along side of it.
Dirt bikes and fishermen are likely sights. After a bit, you can follow paths to scramble up a steep embankment. Up here lies the Columbia Canal Irrigation line which is followed along by a road apparently accessible to those with four-wheel drive. This road/bike path leads all the way to West Richland and runs into Broadview Dr. Be aware that you will be walking past people's back yards if you choose to go this far; respect their property and privacy.
Return by doubling back at any point along the canal and heading for the highway where you parked.
Badger Mountain from Westcliffe Park - Photos and Map
Estimated Hike Distance: : Just over 2 miles roundtrip and 800 feet gain from trail sign to trail sign, 2.3 miles round trip with 830 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead if you hike around the antennas at the summit.
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Level: Moderate
Highlights: The route offers a constant climb for conditioning, from the summit you can see the major volcanoes to the west and south, the Blues to the east and you get a pretty good look at the Tri-Cities. Good trail, accessible year round.
Directions: To start at Westcliffe Park, from interstate 182 take exit 3B for the east or Exit 3 from the west. Turn south on Queensgate and then east (left) at the Keene Road traffic light. In about half a mile turn south (right) on Shockley Road then follow it around a sharp left where it becomes Queensgate Drive. Follow Queensgate Drive to Westcliffe Park and park next to the curb.
Suggested Route: : Follow the foot worn path from the parking to the signed trailhead on the south side Westcliffe Park. From there just follow the graveled trail on up to the top. There are good views of Richland and the rest of the Tri-Cities all along Windy Ridge, a little more then half way up. From the high point on the Ridge, Mount Stuart has been spotted. Once at the top sign, continue along the old road and walk around the antennas. From the south side of the ridge you can see Mount Rainier and Mount Adams on a clear day. Sometimes you can even see Mount Hood.
Badger Mountain from Dallas RoadEstimated Hike Distance: : 3 miles round trip from Dallas Road with 800 feet of elevation gain.
Time Needed: 1.5 - 2 hours
Level: Moderate
Highlights: The route offers a constant climb for conditioning, it is less steep then the trail from Westcliffe Park and less traveled. From the summit you can see the major volcanoes to the west and south, the Blues to the east and you get a pretty good look at the Tri-Cities. Accessible year round.
Directions: : From the Keene Road traffic light (see above) turn west (right) and follow Keene Road for about 3 miles to the Dallas Road roundabout. Head south on Dallas Road about a mile to the top of the rise. There will now be a gravel road on the left, this is the trail to the top. Park you car on the shoulder, do not park on the gravel road or in the orchards. Note: the white no trespassing signs are telling you to stay out of the orchards. Please heed these signs. If you stay on the gravel road, you are OK.
Suggested Route: : Just follow the road up along the ridge top. Enjoy the views of Badger Canyon off to the south and Richland and the rest of the Tri-Cities to the northeast. From the antennas look back to the west for peeks of peaks like Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and even Mount Hood.
Bird Sanctuary - Photos
Estimated Hike Distance: 0.5 to a couple of miles
Time Needed: ½ to 2 hours
Level: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Part of the reason this is a bird sanctuary must be because of the plentiful supply of mosquitoes, so this makes an excellent winter/early spring hike. Nice for solitude and birds. Part of the proposed Tapteal Greenway.
Directions: From Highway 240, exit at Columbia Drive (not Columbia Center Blvd.) and go west (right). Just past Leslie Rd. there is parking off to the right.
Suggested Route: Amble down to the Yakima River and you are shortly presented with a choice of left or right. Exploration possibilities are more numerous to the right, where you can follow along a small stream in the hopes of finding a crossing spot. Triangular in shape, the property is bounded by the railroad and Hwy. 240 on the east, Columbia Drive on the south and the Yakima on the north, so look around without fear of getting too far from civilization.
Dense thickets and birds abound. While it is possible to bushwhack your way up to the northern-most point, cross over the railroad, under Hwy. 240, and continue back southeast to the main Ben Franklin bus depot, this is more adventurous than some may wish to be. Fences and safety considerations might be other deterrents. The area is likely to be wet, so some sort of waterproof footwear is wise.
Bateman Island
Estimated hiking distance: 2 miles round trip to the west tip of the island. There is no elevation gain to speak of.
Level: Easy
Highlights: Bateman Island is a 160 acre Richland Park just downstream of where the Yakima joins the Columbia River. It’s main path is an old road that circles the west half of the island. The island has fishing, wildlife and vegetation viewing. Accessible to strollers, dogs are allowed. There is a restroom and playground at the parking area.
Directions: Take Columbia Center Boulevard to it’s north end at Columbia Park Trail. Turn a left on to Columbia Park Trail and the paved parking lot will be on the right in 0.1 miles.
Suggested Route: Cross the causeway and then follow the main path to the left. The old road will take you around the west half of the island through wild areas and past the remains of farming structures. There are smaller side trails to get to the river’s edge for views of the shorelines and skylines of the Tri-Cities. A major fire in 2001 burnt a lot of the trees but many survived and the remaining burnt ones add contrast to photographs. There is also a smaller series of paths to the right after the causeway. These paths are brushier but should get you to the more secluded parts of the island.
Audubon Trail in Columbia Park - Photos
Estimated Hike Distance: ½ to 1 mile
Time Needed: ½ hour, more to fully appreciate it
Level: Easy, mostly wheelchair accessible
Highlights: Wheelchair and stroller accessible. This delightful trail offers a variety of experiences in its short distance. Signs are placed about to help you identify flora and fauna.
Directions: The trail head is marked by a large sign in Columbia Park, east of the Atomic Ducks building, on the highway side of Columbia Drive (east of the Edison St. interchange).
Suggested Route: This figure-eight path can be traveled in either direction. Since it is asphalted, it is not difficult to navigate for young or old. Some parts of the trail have deteoriated over the years and are not easily accessible to wheelchairs. Though quite near the highway, the trail is well constructed, you can easily ignore the sound and lose yourself in your surroundings, be that by the pond or in the wooded areas. Trail-side signs and interesting shelters will add to your enjoyment and make this an especially good trip for youngsters.
Columbia River Road (formerly North Road 68)
Estimated Hike Distance: Up to 4.5 miles RT, depending on starting point
Time Needed: Up to 2.25 hours
Level: Easy
Highlights: Travel along a peaceful stretch of seldom or lightly traveled road (depending on starting point) just above the Columbia river with orchards, a few old homesteads, native vegetation, birds, islands and Rattlesnake mountain in view.
Directions: Exit I-82 between Richland and Pasco on Rd. 68 and head north approxmately 7.5 miles to the Esquatel wasteway. Road 68 eventually turns into Columbia River Rd.
Suggested Route: The hike can start here, parking on either side of the wasteway, or you can start 0.7 miles further up the road. At this point, you hike north along the side of the road which has only light local traffic and occasional bike tours. A new orchard just beyond the wasteway often has misters on which can moisten both sides of the road. The road now runs opposite Hanford's "300 Area". Several islands, with plant cover just now becoming established, are gull nesting sites in the spring.
About 0.7 miles later, the main road turns uphill away from the river and becomes Sagemoor Rd. Stay on Rd. 68 which soon becomes a dead end road. At this point one can park along side the road as there is far less auto (and no bike tour) traffic. Another 0.7 mile down the road, the pavement gives way to dirt, orchards soon give way to sagebrush hillsides marked regularly with "No Trespassing" signs, and an old battered sign warns of Slide Danger and says "Keep Out". The first slide is another 0.8 miles beyond there. There is little danger before reaching this slide, particularly in the dry months of the year, and this stretch gets regular use despite the sign. There appear to have been no slides in recent years. Columbia River Rd. once extended many more miles up river, but after a series of land slides, the county abandoned that part of the road. At the first slide is a small beach which is popular with boaters. This is a good point to turn around and head back. Any hiking beyond the slide becomes more difficult and hazardous as there is uneven loose terrain and a slick stream crossing between sections of the remaining road bed.
Everyone should make their own decision as to whether to pass even an old battered "Keep Out" sign - which in this case is a warning of potential danger ahead (there are no "No Trespassing" signs posted at any point on the road). We attempt here only to present an accurate description of conditions so people can make an informed decision. A good hike can be had without passing the sign.
Ringold/White Bluffs
Estimated Hike Distance: 5 miles RT
Time Needed: 4-5 hours
Level: Easy to moderate, minimal elevation gain.
Highlights: Great place to spot beavers and other wildlife.
Directions: Take Road 68 north off I-82, and veer right onto Taylor Flats Road after about 2 miles. Continue on Taylor Flats until it dead ends, then turn left and follow the fork off to the right. In about 1 mile, turn left, towards Ringold fish hatchery. Turn north (right) along the river, and park in a parking area just beyond the hatchery.
Suggested Route: This hike is best in the winter and early spring months, before the fields of cheatgrass ripen. From the parking area, head towards the river, stopping to wander around what might have been an old homestead in a grassy, shaded area. Continue along the shoreline, keeping an eye out for beaver. As the rocky shore gets narrower, you'll need to scramble up a low cliff. You can survey the land and water from this area. To the east is the early start of the White Bluffs, heading northward. Across the river is Hanford. You are nearly even with the Washington Nuclear Power Supply station; although it is not visible, later you can see one of the warning signs.
As you continue to head north, you might find a place to cross a trickle of the river onto Savage Island, if it's dry. Watch out for mud which is at least thigh-deep. The island itself is quite wide, but go all the way to the river. This is a nice spot for lunch.
Heading further north, be alert for large gullies, which are a signal to head back toward the road. You'll come to a concrete irrigation ditch as well. You can return (or continue on), by the dirt road (watch for cars), or along the base of the cliffs, stopping by the WNP tower.
Two Sisters
Estimated Hike Distance: .5 miles
Time Needed: 1 to 4 hours
Level: Easy
Highlights: This is an open area with a variety of terrain. The main draws are the flowers in the spring, the sunsets, and the Two Sisters, side-by-side basalt columns.
Directions: Take highway 12 south from Pasco to the Wallula Junction, about 18 miles from CBC. Then turn left onto highway 730 and follow the Columbia River for the last two miles. Turn left into a small gravel parking lot with a roadside attraction type of sign.
Suggested Route: Before you start the hike, you should read the sign telling the Indian story about the coyote and the three sisters. This will fill you in on some of the history of the area. The path starts on the other side of the fence to the right of the sign. You either spread the barbed wire or use the built-in ladder to climb over (watch for the barbs). The path leads up through a draw between the south sister and a bluff. Do not take a branch to the left that takes you up to the Two Sisters as climbing is not allowed. Continue on to the sand dunes which is a good place for a relaxing lunch, watching birds, clouds, or beetles struggling in the loose sand.
From the sand, the route again splits, giving the choice of wandering around the top of the bluff to the south. NO CLIMBING is allowed on Two Sisters. The top of the bluff will have flowers and birds, which vary by the season. There are also expansive views of the Columbia River bluffs here in the Wallula Gap.
Wallula Gap - Photos and Map
Estimated Hike Distance: About 8 miles, RT
Time Needed: 4-5 hours
Level: Moderate
Highlights: An easy hike southeast of Finley at Yellepit on the shore of the Columbia River. A good view of the river at Wallula Gap. There is no trail most of the way. An excellent early spring hike. Be prepared for cold wind.
Directions: From Columbia Center Blvd. overpass (mile 0.0), drive east on Columbia Dr. and south on Chemical Rd. to Finley. Continue on Chemical Rd. beyond Finley until the road ends at Piert Rd. (mile 12.0). Turn right onto Piert Rd. and continue on the main road for 5.4 miles. At mile 17.4, turn left onto Ayers Rd. (street sign may be missing, but there is a cattle guard and a primitive road sign). Continue on Ayers Rd. for about 0.25 mile. Look for a parking area on the right. Do not block the main gate for the vehicles. Go through a small gate for foot traffic.
Suggested Route: One popular route is to hike to the relay tower and the overlook. The tower is about 3 miles from the parking lot and the overlook is a mile further. After going through the foot traffic gate, hike on a dirt road for about a mile to the junction. At the junction, go straight for about 0.5 mile to a gate. Go through the gate and take a trail off to the left. Stay on the trail to the bluffs and then turn right. Continue on this trail heading south. If the trail disappears, just continue hiking south to the radio tower. From the tower, you can see the overlook about a mile south of the tower. From the tower, hike on a dirt road heading south until the road makes a right-angle turn to the right. After the right-angle turn, look for a small trail on the left that leads down to a gulley. Continue southward to another road. Turn left and after about 100 yards, scramble up the ridge on the left to the overlook. Be careful at the overlook. It is several hundred feet straight down from the cliff.