- One-way mileage: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate +
- Elevation: Start 750 feet, Summit: 1581 feet, Total Ascent 796 feet.
- Warning: Rattlesnakes have been spotted on this trail during warm, summer months.
View Trailhead Park Map Use in a larger map
Sunrise on Badger Mountain Loop Trail blog posting
Both the Badger Canyon (Family) and Sagebrush trails start at Trailhead Park. Trailhead Park is at 525 Queensgate Drive in Richland. From I-182, take the Queensgate exit heading south to the light at Keene Road. Turn west on Keene Road to the signal light at Shockley Road near the Bethel Church. Turn south and follow the road up the hill. It will veer left and turn into Queensgate, follow the road up the hill past the Westcliffe pillars to the park at the top of the road. There is a parking area at the corner of Queensgate and White Bluffs or you can park along the curb near the restrooms at the park. This can get a little congested in the summer when trail use is heavy.This is the newest trail on Badger Mountain. Created and maintained by Friends of Badger and many volunteers. It starts at Trailhead Park. Heading south up the hill, the first ascent is up a steep hill with steps and switchbacks.
Steep Area with Occassional Stone Stairs at the Base of Badger Mountain Canyon & Sagebrush Trails
At the top of the first hill, the Sagebrush Trail forks to the left (the Canyon or Family Trail continues on up the draw to the right). Follow the Sagebrush Trail up the ridge, it meets with another starting spur to the left that originates at the water towers. Switchbacks help temper the elevation gain. Then, you hit the terrain that gives this trail it’s name, a patch of raw Badger Mountain sagebrush. As you head toward the eastern end of the mountain, some sagebrush reaches six feet tall.
Old-Growth Sagebrush Along the Trail
The trail slowly meanders through the sagebrush then around the south or back side of the mountain. It slowly slopes to the top, emerging at the antenna towers. I rated this trail a moderate + because it is a bit longer and more difficult than the family trail. As I mentioned in the Canyon or Family Trail listing, this trail connects to the Canyon/Family trail and you can make a loop back down to Trailhead Park. This is an enjoyable hike that is not too strenuous.
Click the video below to see a panorama from the top of Badger Mountain.
