Plume From The Columbia Generating Station
View from Summit of Red Mountain with Columbia Generating Station Plume in Background
Directions and Details on this hike
I decided to add to my experience on the mountains that surround the Tri-Cities by scoping out Red Mountain. I wasn’t sure where to start so I got on Google Earth and looked around. I decided a little longer hike would be nice so I started at a water tower that stands at the base of the mountain on the west end. The jeep trail was soft dirt and mud but it took me right to the top so I was huffing and puffing a little with the heart rate up by the time I was on top of the ridge. What a great view from there, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, Benton City, Hanford and West Richland. I shed a layer to pick up on my return trip and hustled right along the ridge eastward. The terrain is rocky with scattered dry brush. The time passed pretty quick as I worked my way along the ridge top to the east end where the summit is located. From here, you get a great vantage of the line of Candy, Badger and Rattlesnake mountains. About 40 minutes to the summit 2.2 miles one way. An uneventful return to my motorcycle ride back home. Not much wildlife seen today except for the scattered birds.
Red Mountain is private property. It is not open to the public for hiking, ATVs, or vehicles of any kind. I am tired of the trash and the property being torn up. The fenced off area is private property, the public does not have my permission to hike there. Trespassers may be prosecuted.
Susan, thank you for your note. I appreciate the frustration you must feel with the disrespect of private property and littering. That drives me crazy too. I encourage people to respect the wishes of property owners. I have not noticed the trash or property damage you are referring to but I hope people will be more responsible. As a property owner, I would hope you would not just lock up the property, especially since it is not currently occupied. I encourage property owners to work with groups who would help protect the property like Friends of Badger Mountain. Hopefully wineries and other land owners on Red Mountain will follow Candy Mountain’s lead (see article from Tri-City Herald) and can agree on some access that will allow people to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us!
Is there a way to get permission Susan? Thank you ! Karrie Peterson
I took my kids on the Red Mountain today. The beginning of the trail that goes straight up was difficult but the kids which are mainly teenagers made it. I enjoyed the trail along the ridge. It was extra windy up there but it felt nice and cooled us off. I really liked this hike , I did not realize that it was private property. I am trying not to cause any trouble. While on the hike we only saw one other person. I hope something can be worked out so that others can enjoy this legally.
That is so great that you are involving your family in the wonderful experience of hiking. Hopefully public access is in the future, people are working on it. Please keep spreading the word about the beauty that surrounds us and the great opportunities right outside our back doors.
Paul
I tried doing this hike. It is posted as private property, with no trespassing signs, I would take this hike down.