Home › Washington › Richland › Badger Mountain Westgate Trailhead
Badger Mountain Westgate Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 149 Google reviews · Running trail in Richland, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Badger Mountain Westgate Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular area for hiking with scenic views, multiple trails, and a kid-friendly hike.
What runners say about Badger Mountain Westgate Trailhead
“Well maintained but dusty trail switch backs up the West side of badger and provides good views to the north and West.”
“The west trailhead is more fore giving and has scenic view of the vineyards and the new Badger community that’s been growing.”
“I love this family friendly side, to hike with my family.”
As a local I have hiked this trail more than 100 times. There are 3 trails that you can hike and summit Badger Mt. This trail happens to be on the Dallas Road side. It is 2.1 miles to the top if you follow the whole trail. The elevation gain is about 755 ft.
Great hiking spot. It feels a little more remote than the busy North Trailhead. Wildlife sightings are common in the winter on the south slopes. Nice views to the South of the Horse Heaven Hills and Candy and Rattlesnake to the west.
It is always enjoyable to get out into nature. The vast openness and the views from Badger Mountain do not disappoint. The trails are well-maintained and the parking is ample. There are several trials available to choose from depending upon your level of exertion wanted.
I love hiking here. The view from the top is gorgeous and is not a difficult trail. If you're not in shape, then take the zigzag way up. In spring Rick Smith, Environmental Science CBC instructor, gives a nature walk where he tells you the names of the flora that grows there. I recommend it.
Trail conditions & character
“The west trailhead is more fore giving and has scenic view of the vineyards and the new Badger community that’s been growing.”
“The parking lot is dirt, and there is no well maintained park here like the other side but wasn't a problem for trail running.”
“My first place I’ve hiked since I’ve moved here, it was steep but very fun, beautiful and safe to hike up.”
“Great views, great access, multiple options, good parking, a portapotty if you need it.”
“There are several trials available to choose from depending upon your level of exertion wanted.”
Plan your run at Badger Mountain Westgate Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefriendsofbadger.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Richland
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 256 reviews
Hiking area featuring packed-dirt paths, scenic views, and an interpretive loop.
Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 575 reviews
Wide, expansive hilltop with grasses & wildflowers, offering multiple hiking trails & scenic views.
Badger Mountain Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 762 reviews
Scenic area for hiking (including for kids and dogs), plus a playground and picnic tables.
The Lakes Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
Peaceful hiking area featuring kid-friendly paths and a house and pond.
W.E. Johnson Park Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
W.E. Johnson Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 103 reviews
Large, secluded park with walking/hiking trails, wildlife viewing, river access & natural scenery.