Candy Mountain Preserve
A short, accessible hike offering rewarding summit views of the Tri-Cities, perfect for sunset photography and family outings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical views
Candy Mountain Preserve
Best Time
Magical views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, accessible hike offering rewarding summit views of the Tri-Cities, perfect for sunset photography and family outings.
"Experience a magical sunset with the most beautiful view ever at this easy, well-maintained trail."
Choose Your Path Wisely
The trail splits: left for easier, no view; right for steeper, great views. Pick what suits you!
Family & Pet Friendly
This well-maintained trail is perfect for kids, dogs, and a leisurely jog.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Top of Candy Mountain
Enjoy panoramic views of the Tri-Cities area and learn about the Hanford region from atop the mountain. Perfect for photography and reflection.
Gentle Ascent Trail
Main trail
A well-maintained, easy-to-moderate hike suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Ideal for a quick outdoor escape.
Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Experience a truly magical sunset from the peak, painting the sky with vibrant colors over the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Safety & Companionship
Trail Choice for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose Your Path Wisely
The trail splits: left for easier, no view; right for steeper, great views. Pick what suits you!
Family & Pet Friendly
This well-maintained trail is perfect for kids, dogs, and a leisurely jog.
Sunset Magic
Hike during sunset for the most beautiful and magical views.
Preserving Nature
Appreciate the efforts to preserve this natural desert landscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Path Wisely
The trail splits: left for easier, no view; right for steeper, great views. Pick what suits you!
Family & Pet Friendly
This well-maintained trail is perfect for kids, dogs, and a leisurely jog.
Sunset Magic
Hike during sunset for the most beautiful and magical views.
Preserving Nature
Appreciate the efforts to preserve this natural desert landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Candy Mountain Preserve for its accessibility, beautiful summit views, and suitability for all ages and fitness levels. It's a great spot for a quick hike, photography, and enjoying sunsets. Some find it 'nothing incredible' but appreciate it as a pleasant, easy walk.
"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. The left fork is not as steep but offers no view. The right fork is a touch steeper but the views are great."
Pacific Northwest Hiking
"Great trail, really nice and maintained. Easy with little slope, good for families with kids, people with dogs, runners/joggers, photography, picnics, etc. Even with a foggy dreary day, still a great walk and beautiful around me❤️🍭⛰👍🏻❤️"
Clay Miller
"I'm so glad that there are people working to preserve some natural areas in the Tri-Cities. Candy Mt is like Badger Mt's little sister in terms of difficulty. It's a much easier, much more gentle and accessible climb. Badger Mt will always have my heart but Candy Mt is a great way to introduce your friends to the arid desert outdoors of the Tri-Cities without making them sweat too much. The road to the trailhead parking lot is currently being paved (August 2019). As I said before, the trail is a very gentle climb to the top and at the top there are some large basalt rock benches to relax on and enjoy the view and learn a little bit about the Hanford area."
Amber Gideon (NotThatAmber)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Candy Mountain Preserve is accessible via a road that is currently being paved, making access easier. The trailhead parking lot is straightforward to find.
Yes, there is a trailhead parking lot available for visitors. The road leading to it has been undergoing paving, improving accessibility.
Information on public transport accessibility to Candy Mountain Preserve is limited. It's generally recommended to travel by personal vehicle for ease of access.
The specific route will depend on your starting point in the Tri-Cities area. However, the road to the trailhead parking lot is being paved, indicating improved access.
Standard GPS navigation apps should guide you to the preserve. Look for directions to 'Candy Mountain Preserve Trailhead'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Candy Mountain Preserve is a natural area, and typically such preserves do not have entrance fees. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
As a natural preserve, it's likely open during daylight hours. It's best to visit during daylight for safety and to enjoy the views.
No advance booking or tickets are typically required for natural preserves like Candy Mountain. It's a walk-in access area.
While generally open, it's advisable to avoid visiting during extreme weather conditions or after dark for safety reasons.
The preserve is generally accessible year-round, though weather conditions might affect trail conditions, especially in winter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered easy to moderate. It starts easy and gains some elevation but isn't overly strenuous, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
The hike is short, approximately 1.7 miles roundtrip, making it a quick outing for those looking for a brief nature walk.
Information regarding restrooms at the trailhead or on the trail is not widely available. It's recommended to plan accordingly before your visit.
You'll get great views of the Tri-Cities area and learn a bit about the Hanford region. The summit offers panoramic vistas.
Absolutely! The summit views, especially during sunset, and the natural desert landscape make it a fantastic spot for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Candy Mountain Preserve is a natural area and does not have any dining facilities. Pack your own snacks and water.
Yes, picnicking is a great activity here. The well-maintained trails and scenic views make it an ideal spot for a packed lunch.
You'll need to head back into the Tri-Cities area (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco) for a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Bring your own food, drinks, and a blanket. Remember to pack out all trash to keep the preserve clean.
While there might not be designated picnic tables, the open spaces and benches at the top offer great spots to relax and enjoy your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended for its magical light and vibrant colors. Mornings can also offer beautiful soft light.
Capture panoramic landscapes of the Tri-Cities, the unique desert flora, and the dramatic skies, especially during golden hour.
The summit offers the most expansive views. The split in the trail also provides opportunities for interesting foreground elements in your shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details in the distance. Don't forget a tripod for sunset shots.
The preserve is generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially if hiking alone. Keep your gear secure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking the slightly steeper right fork of the trail for more rewarding views, which can help keep kids engaged with the promise of a scenic payoff. The summit offers a great spot for a family picnic, so pack some snacks and drinks to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery. Remember to bring water and sun protection, as desert environments can get warm even on cooler days.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Safety
To enhance your safety, consider informing someone of your hiking plans, including your expected return time. If possible, try to hike during daylight hours when more people are likely to be present. For added peace of mind, look for local hiking groups or forums where you might find companions for your hikes. The well-maintained nature of the trail also contributes to a safer hiking experience.
🏃♀️ Runners & Joggers
Runners can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tri-Cities desert as they move. The split in the trail offers a slight variation in terrain and effort, allowing for a dynamic run. It's an ideal location for a refreshing morning or late afternoon run, especially when the temperatures are cooler. Remember to stay hydrated, even on shorter runs in this environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Candy Mountain Preserve: Trails and Terrain
The terrain is characteristic of the arid desert environment of the Tri-Cities area. Expect a mix of gravel and packed earth underfoot. While not technically challenging, comfortable walking or hiking shoes are recommended. The elevation gain is moderate, ensuring it’s not overly strenuous for most. The preserve is also noted for its efforts in preserving natural areas, offering a glimpse into the local desert ecosystem.
For those seeking a less demanding walk, the preserve is ideal. It's often compared to Badger Mountain's 'little sister' in terms of difficulty, providing a more gentle and accessible climb. This makes it a great option for introducing newcomers to the outdoors or for a relaxed outing after a long day.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Candy Mountain
Beyond the grand vistas, the preserve's natural desert environment provides ample subjects for closer shots. The unique flora adapted to the arid climate, the textures of the rocks, and the expansive skies all contribute to compelling photographic compositions. The split in the trail can also be used creatively in photography, with the less scenic path offering a contrast to the rewarding views from the steeper route.
When planning your photography session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes. A tripod will be invaluable for capturing the best light during sunrise or sunset, especially if you plan on longer exposures. Remember to be mindful of the time and ensure you have enough light to safely descend the trail after your photoshoot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit