Interesting Observations on Badger Mountain

I made a few interesting observations on Badger Mountain as I hiked the Canyon Trail today.

Me On Badger, Candy and Red Mountains in the Background (click to enlarge)

Busy trail today! Hikers and Trail Runners

First, I noticed how many hikers were on the trail today.  They hurried up the steps.  These are the same steps I mentioned in the story about the survey being done by Russ Treat.  One idea is to update these steps so they are uniform in step height and spacing.  Right now, they are fairly rugged and can be especially slippery and dangerous when wet or icy.  Another option in Russ Treat’s survey is to build a bypass trail that would completely bypass the stairs and provide a more gradual path to the main Canyon and Sagebrush trails.

Hikers Approaching the Steps at the Base of Badger Mountain

Climbing the Steps

HIkers and Trail Runners Going up the Draw on the Canyon Trail

Wonderful to See First-Timers!

I got to chat briefly with Ash this morning.  He is a first time hiker on Badger Mountain.  He was on the Canyon Trail with Jodi.  They made it to the top and said the view was spectacular!  Way to go, guys!

First timer Ash (L) and Jodi on Top of Badger!

Graffiti!  How Disappointing!

Another observation at the top of Badger Mountain was some graffiti on the cement blocks near the antenna building.  I hope hikers will keep an eye out for the culprits and help hold them accountable.  Being vigilant about protecting this preserve will help make sure it’s available for all to enjoy for years to come.  If people  don’t stand up and speak up, it will go to waste.

Graffiti at the top of Badger. (click to enlarge)

Barbell

I guess someone is planning a serious workout here!  Maybe a little modified P90X!  This 25 pound weight was waiting at the top of Badger for someone.  Maybe it got too heavy or maybe they plan on picking it up on the next hike.  Get fit!  Badger is a great place to do it!

Weightlifting Anyone?

Progress, Economy Looks Strong in the Tri-Cities

It seems like an anomaly in the U.S. but the Tri-Cities economy just keeps going and going.  Evidence of this is all around us; new businesses, new apartment complexes and this housing development near White Bluffs Elementary is just below Badger Mountain.

New Streets for New Houses. (click to enlarge)

New Water Fountain

I noticed a new water fountain on the Skyline Trail the other day.  It features a people fountain and a dog fountain.  Access this trail off of Dallas Road in West Richland.  Click here for more details on the Skyline Trail.

New Water Fountain at Skyline Trail Trailhead

Badger Black Eye

My final interesting observation for this blog post is the  recent fire on Badger Mountain that left a black eye on the hill.

Badger Mountain Lightning Strike Fire (click to enlarge)

The fire is visible from across the Tri-Cities.  It is mainly visible on the Canyon Trail as you head up the draw.  The fire stretches to the top of Badger and then it stops at the ridgeline access road.  This fire was apparently sparked by lighting but heavy rain that followed put it out before it burned too much, fire crews were on the scene helping too.  Several sagebrush were burned, which will take years to grow back but the other shrubs should regrow fairly quickly and the black eye will likely disappear within a year or so.

At the Top of Badger, the Fire Stopped at the Ridgeline Access Road.