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Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 256 Google reviews · Running trail in Richland, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Candy Mountain Preserve 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.
Hiking area featuring packed-dirt paths, scenic views, and an interpretive loop.
What runners say about Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead
“Trail to top of Candy Mountain is well maintained and has a steady grade up to the top.”
“I like to hike this place during sunset because it’s the most beautiful view ever.”
“Easy hike with a trail that starts off flat and gradually starts going uphill.”
Great simple hike, with nice views. Husband and I hiked this right as the sun was setting. Fun to watch the shadow of the mountain engulf the city below.
Candy is a great hike for all ages and levels of experience. It starts off easy and then gains some elevation but not a ton. At just 1.7 miles it's a short hike that provides great views from the top. On the way up the trail splits. It doesn't matter which one you take as the meet up again a short while later.
I like to hike this place during sunset because it’s the most beautiful view ever. It never fails to give the most magical sunset!
Made it to the top in 47 minutes with a fat old dog and a 2 year old in a jogger. Nice gravel trail, not too steep but still a workout if you keep the pace up. Nice views of Mount Adams And Mt Rainier to the west looking towards Benton City.
Trail conditions & character
“I like to hike this place during sunset because it’s the most beautiful view ever.”
“Nice gravel trail, not too steep but still a workout if you keep the pace up.”
“The road to the trailhead parking lot is currently being paved (August 2019).”
“Stroller accessible (large wheels or off road strollers preferably)”
“We took the interpretive loop on a lovely Saturday afternoon in April.”
“Nice gravel trail, not too steep but still a workout if you keep the pace up.”
Plan your run at Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteco.benton.wa.us
- Phone(509) 736-3053
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 |
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