- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Guide to Hiking the Badger Skyline Trail in Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington has some of the most unique landscapes in Washington State. Forget the towering mountains of Western Washington; this area was carved by ancient floods, leaving behind impressive canyons, massive buttes, and rich soil. The Badger Skyline Loop Trail is one of the many impressive areas these floods have left behind.
One of the best parts of hiking this trail is the informative signs about the Missoula Floods along the way. You can learn as you go…and even use reading a sign as an excuse for a short break!
The Badger Skyline Trail brings hikers, walkers, trail runners, and mountain bikers on a loop trail around Badger Mountain. The initial incline from the parking lot brings hikers to a fork where they can decide which way around the mountain they would like to recreate. I chose clockwise. The trail is well-maintained and provides ample space for people to hike past each other without going off-trail.
In this hiking guide, I will share all that you need to know about hiking the Classic Eastern Washington Trail! If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
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Badger Skyline Trail in Tri-Cities
If you’ve never spent much time in the Tri-Cities area of Washington, it is time to change that. This area is brimming with incredible trails, fantastic wineries, and excellent food. The people who live in this area already know that, but it is time for this area to become a getaway destination!
Every time I visit this area, I am blown away by how much there is to do. Find a video itinerary I made here.
I originally did this trail because it was listed as one of Washington’s 100 Classic Hikes in Craig Ramano’s trail guide. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this area has quickly become one of my favorite year-round destinations in Washington.
Here is the trail guide that put the Tri-Cities on the map for me.
Know Before You Go: Badger Skyline Trail
In this guide to the Badger Skyline Trail, you’ll be equipped to hike the trail with confidence! This trail is maintained by the Friends of Badger Mountain. Let’s help them out by staying on the maintained trail and packing out what we pack in!
Trail Stats
Region: Eastern Washington
Distance: 5.8 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet elevation gain
When to go: Year-Round
Pass/Permit?: NA
Dogs Allowed?: Yes- On Leash
Restroom: Porta Potty at Trailhead
Where is the trailhead located?
The trail for Badger Mountain Loop is located on the ancestral land of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. We recognize them as the original stewards of this land and honor them by respecting the land.
Trailhead Facilities
The trailhead park parking lot had plenty of parking and a porta-potty for visitors.
Season to Visit
The Badger Mountain Skyline Trail is accessible year-round. When I hiked the trail in January, the trail was cloudy, but there was no snow!
If you’re hiking the trail in the summer, bring lots of water as it gets extremely hot, and the trail is fully exposed to the sun.
This trail is relatively popular throughout the year, but in the spring, you can expect to find purple sagebrush, numerous balsamroot, and a wide variety of native grasses and wildflowers.
Passes/Permits
No passes or permits are required to hike this trail.
Related Read: Puffer Butte Trail
Hiking the Badger Mountain Skyline Trail
When I completed the hike on a Saturday Morning around 8 am, there were a number of people on the trail, and some were even finishing it when I arrived. By the time I completed the trail 2 hours later, there were more people on the trail. Many people were walking or running with their dog, and a couple of dogs were off-leash. We also pulled over to let a biker who was completing the trail pass us. Technically walkers have the right of way on the trail.
The trail leads hikers around Badger Mountain through sagebrush and tall grasses up to an overlook with radio towers and expansive views of the Columbia River Basin, vineyards, farmland, and Richland, WA. One of the prominent visible features on the trail is that of the Ancient Lake Lewis, which was formed during the Missoula Flood 13,000 years ago.
The flood was so significant that Badger Mountain became an island. There are different plaques around the trail pointing hikers in the direction of these historical sites with short readings to learn about the history. I love when trails have them!
When I completed the hike, it was a cool morning, and fog covered most of the views. However, I found that the hike was even more beautiful in the fog. With the elevation gain, I managed to hike above the cloudline, seeing expansive views. When I find myself in nature, I want to be removed from the busy city life, so I was not disappointed to miss the view of Richland, WA. You could, however, still hear the traffic on the busy highway that runs near the trail.
The trail information on Washington Trails Association aligned best with the information provided in “100 Classic Hikes of Washington” with 5.8 miles, round trip, and 1100 feet gain.
The AllTrails trail information lists it as 7.0 miles because it leads hikers to two different trailheads. I posted my route below, which came out to 6.0 miles and 866 gain from cutting off the hike to the alternative trailhead.
It seems to be more of an exercise trail than a trail people hike for views. After about the 4th mile in, I was a little tired of seeing the same sagebrush and fog, leading me to believe that the views without the fog would be preferred, but there is something beautiful about the trail on a cloudy day. Even if it is a little repetitive. This is a trail I do not anticipate hiking again, but I am happy for the experience.
The first half mile of the trail is where a majority of the elevation gain is, as hikers trek up to the ridgeline of Badger Mountain. There is ample room on the wide path of the trail, so it never feels overcrowded.
Check out another Eastern Washington Hike: White Bluffs-Hanford Reach
Should Badger Skyline Trail be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
I am on a mission to hike all 100 Classic Hikes of Washington. I’ve been slowly checking off hikes from the list in hopes of determining which ones on it are actually worthy of the title from my perspective.
And while I was originally questioning why this random trail in the middle of nowhere was on the list, I have since changed my tune.
After learning the history of the area and what has been done in the Tri-Cities to preserve this land for others to enjoy, I do believe it should remain in the 100 Classic Hikes of Washington book. There are a number of other trails in the Badger Mountain area, but I did not have time to complete them.
Has there been a hike I DIDN’T think should be included on the list? YES!: Read About Mount Si
What to Pack for the Badger Skyline Trail:
Similar to any other hike, you’ll want the basic necessities, but here are some of my suggestions for a safe and responsible hike:
- Day Pack: Since this is a longer trail, I would recommend a comfortable pack. I love my Osprey Tempest 20; it is compact while still able to carry all of my gear.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: This is a trail where you’ll want ankle support. Oboz Bridgers are my favorite boots since they have never given me a blister.
- Water: Especially in the hot summer months, you’ll want to carry at least 2 liters of water either in a water reservoir or in a Nalgene.
- Binoculars: There are so many unique birds in this area. If that interests you, I would make sure to bring a pair of binoculars.
- Sunshirt: My favorite way to protect my skin on the trail is by wearing a sunshirt. My favorite sunhoodie is the Backcountry Tahoe.
- Trail Map: There are several trail offshoots from the Badger Skyline Trail: Canyon Trail, Sagebrush Trail, and Langdon Trail. To make sure you’re on the right path, download the map on AllTrails!
I completed the Badger Skyline Trail. Now What?
I enjoyed hiking this trail in the morning, so when I was finished, getting a cup of coffee was a MUST. So I headed into Richland, WA, and went to Indaba Coffee. I ordered their signature latte, homemade butterscotch, and it was delicious! At 10 am, the tables were full, which led me to believe that this was a great spot to go for locals.
You may also be interested in…
- White Bluff Trail near Handford Reach
- Steamboat Rock in Grant County
- Kamiak Butte in Eastern Washington
Pack it Up
The Badger Skyline Trail has some of the best views of the greater Tri-Cities area. The trail highlights the incredible landscaping left behind by the Ice Age floods in Benton County.
After completing the trail, be sure to head into town for a warm meal, wine tasting, or relaxing stroll along the riverside trail.
Have questions about planning your trip to the Tri-Cities, or need a trail recommendation? Let me know in the comments!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
