Most of the trail systems around the Columbia Basin and especially in the Badger Mountain area are the result of grass-roots efforts and thousands of hours of volunteer work that hundreds of thousands of us benefit from.
Volunteers Follow Jacob Halter's (right) Directions Cutting a New Trail at Badger Mountain
The latest effort is being spearheaded by a group of volunteers helping Boy Scout Jacob Halter of Troop 202 as an Eagle Scout Project. This new trail is on the flat area just west of Trailhead Park. It will offer an alternative to climbing the mountain. People who just want a leisurely walk can take the new Badger Flats (not officially named yet) trail and still enjoy a nice view, desert wildflowers and fresh air.
The New "Badger Flats" Trail (top) Winds through the grass and sagebrush from the lower parking lot and links with the straight section along the base of Badger Mountain
Halter gathered more than 20 volunteers to put in some hard work on Saturday. They cut a trail through the grass and sagebrush meandering to avoid balsamroot and sagebrush plants and provide a little variety on the hike.
Volunteers on the new trail
The new "Badger Flats" trail will be a loop of about .6 miles