The Tri Cities may be best known for grapes and sunsets, but a network of hiking trails weaves through riverside parks, sage-dotted hills, and surprising patches of wildflowers. Whether you want a challenging summit or a flat stroll with sweeping views, you’ll find plenty of routes to fill your weekends here.
Let’s get to it.
Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead
Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead provides access to a 3.6-mile round-trip hike, plus a 1.2-mile interpretive loop with educational signs. The path follows gravel and packed dirt, winding up gentle slopes that still add a 555-foot gain to reach the 1,383-foot summit.
Trail markers and benches appear at intervals. Interpretive panels explain Ice Age floods and local history, including the Hanford Site. No boardwalks or paved walkways interrupt the natural setting. Sagebrush, rocks, and singletrack keep the route straightforward.
There is no shade on the ascent, so hikers should carry water and sun protection during hot months. At the summit, hikers see 360-degree views of the Tri-Cities, Horse Heaven Hills, and the Columbia River. A portable toilet stands at the trailhead. Parking accommodates weekend crowds but can fill quickly.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. Interpretive maps note leash and waste station locations. Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead offers a solid hike with clear signage, reliable bench spots, and unobstructed regional vistas.
Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve
Volunteers maintain more than eight miles of hiking and walking trails through Benton County’s dry, sunny ridgelines. Restrooms and a parking lot serve trailheads at the preserve entrance.
The Canyon Trail tackles 130 stone steps right away and climbs 800 feet to a bench at 0.4 miles. That path is busiest, lined with spring wildflowers and views of the Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin. Dogs on leash follow “leash and scoop” rules and share the route with steady foot traffic.
For a quieter route, the nearly seven-mile Skyline Trail winds through switchbacks and past vineyards. Shade is scarce, especially on hot afternoons, so hikers should pack water. CSS Loop offers similar basin panoramas and clear signage. The short Sagebrush Trail leads through sage and grasses, ideal for birdwatching away from crowded trailheads.
No drinking water is available on site, and food stands are absent. The preserve relies on volunteer efforts to clear invasive weeds and keep signs updated. Visitors find reliable markers, tidy trails, and uninterrupted views of local ridges and farmland.
Badger Mountain Trailhead
Badger Mountain Trailhead serves hikers with a well-maintained park complete with restrooms, free parking, benches, and a playground. Hikers most often choose the Canyon Trail, which starts with a steep climb up stone steps. That first 800 feet of elevation leads to a windy summit with Columbia Basin views and a history marker about the Ice Age floods. The trail can be dusty in summer and spring brings wildflowers and birdwatching opportunities.
Longer routes include the Skyline Trail, which follows ridge lines past local vineyards and offers views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood when conditions are right. The Sagebrush Trail runs gentler slopes but still involves some climbing.
All routes stay exposed to the sun, so carry plenty of water. Leashed dogs are welcome and the paths draw consistent foot traffic. Signs and trail maintenance are reliable. For those seeking a short hike or a longer ridge trek, Badger Mountain Trailhead provides a choice of well-marked routes and rewarding regional vistas.
Highlands Grange Park
Highlands Grange Park in Kennewick combines garden displays with accessible walkways for a roughly 0.8-mile loop. The flat paved path winds through 26 themed sections, including rose beds, ornamental grasses, and home vegetable plots. Visitors can spot seasonal blooms and rows of flowers that locals maintain.
Wide walkways accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, with benches at short intervals. A parking lot and restrooms stand near the main entrance. Covered picnic shelters and a splash pad draw families during summer months. Dogs on leash use designated waste stations throughout the park.
The loop remains easy on knees and offers shaded spots under mature trees. Weekends in June see extra visitors when roses reach peak bloom. The park staff perform regular maintenance, keeping beds weeded and walkways clear of debris. A second parking area provides overflow space on busy days.
Whether stopping for a quick stroll or a longer visit with lunch and garden viewing, Highlands Grange Park delivers tidy facilities, a scenic walk, and reliable seating options.
Howard Amon Park
Along the Columbia River, Howard Amon Park features a mile-long paved path with uninterrupted water views and a steady breeze. Flush restrooms and water fountains sit near covered picnic shelters, while a playground draws families throughout the day.
Street parking lines nearby roads and a lot sits close to the riverwalk. Weekends can fill quickly but weekdays offer plenty of spots. The wide, flat trail handles bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs without issue. Gentle inclines appear only near shoreline edges and require little effort.
Park staff keep paths clear of debris and repair any damage promptly. Benches and trash receptacles appear at regular intervals, so litter is rare. Dog owners must keep pets leashed and use the provided waste stations. Flocks of ducks often gather along the riverbank and on occasion a river otter paddles by.
Whether visitors want an easy walk, a scenic ride, or a spot to picnic, Howard Amon Park delivers reliable amenities and serene river views. This park strikes a balance between well-maintained facilities and uninterrupted waterfront access.
Chamna Natural Preserve
Chamna Natural Preserve in Richland offers over 11 miles of trails across 276 acres along the Yakima River. Most paths are packed dirt with mild inclines, making them ideal for casual walkers or anyone avoiding steep climbs. Multiple loops and spurs let you choose a quick stroll or a longer circuit.
Landscapes shift from sagebrush flats and sandy stretches to small marsh areas with boardwalks and riparian corridors lined with trees. These shaded sections provide a break from the sun and a chance to spot wildlife. Look for osprey nests, river otters near the water, and a variety of birds among the branches.
Free parking and a main kiosk map help visitors stay on track. Benches and interpretive signs appear at intervals, offering rest and information about the local habitat. Dogs are welcome on leashes, and cleanup bags are supplied. Trails may get muddy after rain and some segments are less accessible for wheelchairs, but spring and fall conditions typically remain dry and pleasant. Chamna Natural Preserve feels like a wide-open local secret.
Badger Mountain Community Park
Badger Mountain Community Park offers a mix of recreational choices across its grounds. Baseball and soccer fields sit near a playground and a splash pad for sunny days. The off-leash dog area often buzzes with activity, and pet owners should plan for noise from enthusiastic pups.
At the center, a 1.6-mile loop trail winds gently over gravel and dirt with about a 242-foot elevation gain. The path is wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs, making it an accessible option in a region known for hills. Scenic overlooks reveal views of the Tri-Cities, and wildflower blooms brighten the trail in spring and early summer.
Parking is available at multiple lots, and clear signs guide visitors to different amenities. Weekdays or late afternoons tend to be quieter when families and power-walkers aren’t at peak numbers. Trees are sparse so bring shade gear and water. Badger Mountain Community Park balances gentle exercise with family-friendly features, ensuring visitors of all ages and abilities find a spot to stretch their legs.
Leslie Groves Park
At Leslie Groves Park, visitors find 149 acres along the Columbia River with a variety of amenities that never feel overwhelming. The paved trails run about 3.5 miles, mostly flat and easy on strollers, casual bikes, or anyone who prefers a relaxed riverside walk. The surfaces alternate between asphalt, concrete, and shaded sections under tree canopies.
Picnic pavilions dot the grounds ready for family gatherings. Playgrounds and volleyball courts support active play. Leashed dogs are welcome and pet-waste stations are placed at convenient spots to keep paths clear.
River views open up alongside wildflower patches in warmer months, and eagle sightings are common if you pause to look up. Some restrooms close occasionally for maintenance, and shade is mostly provided by riverbank trees, but benches under the canopy offer relief from the sun. Overall, Leslie Groves Park combines well-maintained trails, diverse activity areas, and scenic overlooks into a casual but complete outdoor experience.
Wade Park
Positioned along the Columbia River, Wade Park provides a mix of paved trails, resting spots, and river views. The paved section of the Sacagawea Heritage Trail threads through the park, offering clearly marked lanes for walkers and cyclists.
This flat path spans a manageable segment of the 23-mile loop. Families with strollers and wheelchair users will find it accessible. Along the route, benches and swing benches invite casual stops, and the riverbank attracts waterfowl watchers. You can pause on a swing and observe ducks and geese glide by.
Facilities include a public boat launch, restrooms, and a parking area with room for several vehicles. Leashed dogs are common, and owners often pause at benches to let pets greet passersby. Shade is limited, so visitors tend to arrive early or later in the afternoon.
Park staff maintain the grounds well, and the paved trail remains in good condition. Wade Park covers the essentials with its level terrain, reliable facilities, and easy access to riverfront views.
Sacajawea Historical State Park
Sacajawea Historical State Park sits at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, and it offers a range of accessible amenities. The main park trail extends about two miles on mostly flat, paved paths. A few unpaved spurs to the north feature gentle rises on uneven ground, so sturdy shoes help on those sections.
Picnic tables and covered shelters provide spots for snacks or family gatherings. Restrooms include flush facilities or, when needed, clean port-a-potties. A boat launch stands ready for canoes or small watercraft. An interpretive center houses displays on local history and the pathways alongside Maya Lin’s story circles.
Leashed dogs are welcome, and stations with waste bags keep lawns tidy. Trails link to the larger Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a fully paved route ideal for cycling or extended walks. Free parking is available, and clear signs at the trailhead offer maps and directions. The park operates from April through October, so plan visits within that range. This state park balances historical interpretation with easy access and river views for all ages.
Chiawana Park
Chiawana Park sits beside the Columbia River and welcomes visitors of all abilities. A paved levee trail runs one to two miles out and back, offering a flat route wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs. For those seeking more distance, the levee connects to the longer 20-mile Tri-Cities Riverfront Trail loop.
Along the trail, grassy areas lead to playgrounds and picnic shelters with tables and benches. Covered shelters provide shade, while open spots face river views where ducks and geese gather near the banks. Flush restrooms are available when open, and seasonal port-a-potties appear if regular facilities are closed.
Parking is plentiful in several lots, and signage marks each area clearly. Weekends see more activity from runners, events, and families, but weekday mornings stay quieter. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and bag stations help keep the grass clean. With level trails, scenic overlooks, and multiple access points, Chiawana Park makes riverfront recreation easy and convenient year-round.
Zintel Canyon Greenway
Zintel Canyon Greenway spans a variety of paved and natural paths through Kennewick. The main paved segment covers about a quarter mile, making it ideal for wheelchairs, strollers, or anyone preferring a smooth surface. Nearby, unpaved dirt trails wind under a leafy canopy, offering a more natural setting.
Together they form a loop of roughly two and a half miles. Elevation changes are minimal, so visitors of all ages will find the route manageable.
The greenway follows a small creek where ducks and other waterfowl often gather. Several benches line the trail for quick breaks, and a playground sits at the main entrance to draw families.
Foot traffic remains moderate throughout the day. You may see locals power walking, walking dogs, or guiding toddlers along the trail. Spring and fall bring bursts of colorful foliage and a steady flow of birdwatchers with binoculars. City crews perform routine upkeep, though occasional litter appears along the edges. Overall, Zintel Canyon Greenway delivers a reliable, accessible outdoor route in the heart of Kennewick.
