Hiking

The Tri-Cities is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of trails perfect for walking, running, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.

Enjoy fun in the sun without leaving town, or venture beyond the city limits to take in scenic vistas in peaceful solitude.

Whether you’re looking for stunning views of the Tri-Cities and rivers, paved riverside paths for walking, biking, or rollerblading, trails nestled among lush green riverfront trees where you can get a chance to spot wildlife, or dramatic landscapes that tell the story of the great Ice Age floods from 18,000 to 15,000 years ago, you’ll find unique and exciting opportunities for exploring the outdoor trails here!

Pro tip: many of the trails are not shaded, so dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, and bring water!

Listen & Learn

Planning your adventure? Go beyond the trail with this episode of the Washington State Hiking Podcast. Hosted by outdoor writer and hiking expert Jennie, each episode features local experts who share the stories, history, geology, wildlife, and hidden details that make these destinations unique. Listen before you go—or on the drive to the trailhead—for a deeper appreciation of the landscapes you'll experience.

Why the Tri-Cities Is a Great Hiking Destination

What makes the Tri-Cities one of Washington's most surprising places to hike?

In this episode, Kevin Lewis, President & CEO of Visit Tri-Cities, joins Jennie to explore the region's diverse hiking experiences, from panoramic ridgelines and dramatic Ice Age landscapes to riverfront trails and the rare shrub-steppe ecosystem.

Along the way, they discuss what makes hiking here different, how geology and history have shaped the landscape, and why the Tri-Cities is the perfect basecamp for outdoor adventure.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or looking for your next favorite trail, this episode is a great introduction to hiking in the Heart of Washington.

Hiking Trails

1Badger Mountain Trail

3.2 miles
Moderate

Hike up Badger Mountain for panoramic views of the Tri-Cities and surrounding landscape, perfect for capturing stunning sunrise and sunset photos. This popular trail offers a moderate challenge, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers, and a favorite for both locals and visitors. Enjoy the beautiful wildflowers and vibrant sunsets as you ascend to the summit. Don't miss the stone marker that shows the maximum height of the Ice Age-era Lake Lewis at 1,250 feet. Imagine everything below that marker, including the entire Tri-Cities, being underwater!

2Badger Mountain Skyline Trail

6.8 miles
Moderate
The Badger Mountain Skyline Trail provides an extended adventure, taking you across the ridge with breathtaking views of the Columbia Basin and the distant mountains. This longer hike is perfect for those seeking a rewarding challenge and diverse scenery along the way.

3Candy Mountain

3.5 miles
Moderate
Candy Mountain, nestled alongside Badger Mountain, offers a delightful trek with rewarding vistas at the summit, showcasing the beauty of the Columbia Basin. Enjoy a peaceful hike through wildflower-filled meadows and rolling hills.

4McBee Hill Loop

4.1 miles
Moderate
McBee Hill Loop provides a challenging yet rewarding hike with breathtaking views of the Yakima River and surrounding valleys. Perfect for adventurous spirits, this trail takes you through varied terrain and lush landscapes.

5White Bluffs North Slope Trail

6White Bluffs South Slope Trail

5.6 miles
Hard
The White Bluffs North Slope Trail offers a scenic hike along towering cliffs with stunning views of the Columbia River and the surrounding desert landscape. As you hike, you'll be captivated by the unique geological formations and the chance to spot local wildlife.

7Richland Riverfront Trail

9.3 miles
Easy
Stroll, bike, rollerblade, skateboard, or scooter along the scenic, paved Richland Riverfront Trail, which winds along the Columbia River and provides picturesque waterfront views. This family-friendly trail is perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.

8Chamna Natural Preserve Trail

4.3 miles
Easy
Explore the tranquil Chamna Natural Preserve Trail, where you can wander through lush green trees and fragrant sagebrush, and spot a variety of wildlife. This peaceful retreat alongside the Yakima River is ideal for nature walks and bird watching.

9Twin Sisters Rock

0.7 miles
Easy
A place sacred to Native Americans for millenia, the Twin Sisters Rock trail is a short yet rewarding out-and-back hike that takes you to two striking basalt pillars with fascinating geological features and stunning views of the Columbia River. It's a perfect spot for photography and a quick adventure into the unique landscape of Wallula Gap.

10Wallula Gap Overlook

1.0 mile
Moderate
A place sacred to Native Americans for millennia, the Twin Sisters Rock trail is a short yet rewarding out-and-back hike that takes you to two striking basalt pillars with fascinating geological features and stunning views of the Columbia River. It's a perfect spot for photography and a quick adventure into the unique landscape of Wallula Gap.

11Sacajawea Heritage Trail

15.7 mile
Easy
Follow in the footsteps of explorers on the Sacajawea Heritage Trail, a paved path that loops around the Tri-Cities on both sides of the river, and offers a string of 96 educational signs every ¼ mile along the way, called “Pompy’s Lessons” that teach about Lewis & Clark, plus local flora and fauna. Enjoy the blend of natural beauty and cultural significance on this versatile trail.

12Tapteal Loop Trail

2.3 mile
Easy
Tapteal Loop Trail winds along the Yakima River, offering beautiful views and a tranquil setting for hiking, biking, or bird watching. This trail is great for a relaxing day immersed in nature. Be advised, the dirt trail can be muddy and flooded in springtime.

13North Canyon Trail Loop

9.2 mile
Hard
North Canyon Trail Loop offers a scenic hike through canyons and ridges, with opportunities to see wildflowers and panoramic views of the Yakima Valley. This trail is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

14Jump Off Joe Trail

3.1 mile
Easy
North Canyon Trail Loop offers a scenic hike through canyons and ridges, with opportunities to see wildflowers and panoramic views of the Yakima Valley. This trail is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

15Amon Creek Natural Preserve

2.0 mile
Easy
Amon Creek Natural Preserve features a network of trails through wetlands and lush green trees, offering a peaceful retreat for hikers and wildlife observers. Enjoy the diverse ecosystems and the chance to spot local fauna, including 25 species of birds, plus jackrabbits, coyotes, raccoons, beavers, otters, and mink.

16Yakima River Delta

3.3 mile
Easy
The Yakima River Delta Trail takes you through a lush delta where the Yakima River meets the Columbia, providing excellent bird watching and tranquil water views. This trail is a peaceful oasis perfect for a relaxing hike.

Additional Resources:

Trail Maps:

Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail | U.S. National Park Service
Locally created Basin to Ridge trail map with the area’s top trails can be purchased at REI at 129 N Ely St Main 2, Kennewick

Local Running Groups: