Chamna Natural Preserve
A 276-acre dog-friendly park with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the scenic Yakima River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful trails, ideal for biking
Chamna Natural Preserve
Best Time
Peaceful trails, ideal for biking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 276-acre dog-friendly park with miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the scenic Yakima River.
"Beautiful riverside nature in all it's glory. Some paths a bit overgrown, some muddy, but all beautiful nonetheless."
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Hit the trails at dawn for a serene experience, especially if you're biking .
🚫 Tick Alert!
Be vigilant about ticks, especially with dogs. Consider protective gear and thorough checks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Yakima River Trails
River Trail and Peninsula Loop
Meander along the scenic Yakima River, offering beautiful views and a refreshing escape.
Diverse Ecosystems
Sage Trail and Tap Teal Trail
Explore contrasting landscapes from arid, open areas to unique woodsy sections.
Wildlife Viewing
Near water sources
Spot interesting bird activity and other local fauna in this vibrant natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Ticks
Trail Conditions & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Hit the trails at dawn for a serene experience, especially if you're biking.
🚫 Tick Alert!
Be vigilant about ticks, especially with dogs. Consider protective gear and thorough checks.
Any particular time of day to avoid Chamna?
Anyone know good walking areas?
♻️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
Help keep Chamna pristine by taking all your trash and pet waste with you.
🗺️ Stay on Track
Utilize the helpful maps along the trails to avoid getting lost.
New to Richland
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Early Bird Gets the Trail
Hit the trails at dawn for a serene experience, especially if you're biking.
🚫 Tick Alert!
Be vigilant about ticks, especially with dogs. Consider protective gear and thorough checks.
♻️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
Help keep Chamna pristine by taking all your trash and pet waste with you.
🗺️ Stay on Track
Utilize the helpful maps along the trails to avoid getting lost.
🥾 Trail Ready
Some paths can be overgrown or muddy; wear appropriate footwear.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chamna Natural Preserve for its beautiful riverside scenery and diverse trails, offering a great escape close to town. However, some reviewers note issues with overgrown paths, mud, and a significant presence of animal feces and ticks, which can detract from the experience.
"Beautiful riverside nature in all it's glory. Some paths a bit overgrown, some muddy, but all beautiful nonetheless. Swimming if that interests you. 10/10 highly recommend will be returning!"
LaNette Oliver
"Went here for a First Day of Spring 2024 hike and it was a beautiful day and amazing hike along the Yakima River. These some great trails weaving the preserve pretty well maintained. People need to quit trashing it for everyone else by leaving their dog poop in the bag on the side of the trail. Remember to pack out your own trash please let's keep it open to the public.."
D E W Adventures
"Wanted to have a nice simple walk with the dogs. I'd never been on this trail before & it stayed off pretty. There's much greenery and pathways towards the river. But holy moly, it is infested with ticks. My poor dog was not ready for it. And neither were we. I advise you not to take your pups. By the time we made our way back to the lot. I was running because the anxiety I experienced with the ticks was insane. There was no getting away from them, even I had ticks crawling on me.
There was trash all over, nats, spiders you name it. Will not be visiting again."
Amy Gonzalez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chamna Natural Preserve is easily accessible by car. It's located close to town, making it a convenient spot for a quick nature escape. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Information on public transportation options to Chamna Natural Preserve is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
There is a dedicated parking lot at the main trailhead. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can fill up.
Yes, Chamna Natural Preserve offers miles of trails suitable for biking. Early mornings are recommended to avoid crowds.
Chamna Natural Preserve is generally free to enter, making it an accessible natural escape for all visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Chamna Natural Preserve. It's a public park open for everyone to enjoy.
Chamna Natural Preserve is typically open from dawn until dusk. It's best to check local listings for any specific seasonal hours.
Yes, Chamna Natural Preserve is open year-round, though trail conditions can vary with the seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather.
To avoid crowds, visiting early in the morning, especially on weekdays, is highly recommended.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment: pack out trash, clean up after pets, and stay on marked trails.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Chamna offers a variety of trails, including riverside paths, woodsy areas, and more arid, open landscapes. They are suitable for hiking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding.
Yes, Chamna Natural Preserve is dog-friendly. However, owners must clean up after their pets and be mindful of other visitors and potential tick issues.
Some reviews mention swimming as a possibility in the Yakima River at Chamna, but it's advisable to check local conditions and safety guidelines before entering the water.
Information on restroom availability is not consistently mentioned. It's wise to come prepared or check recent visitor feedback.
You can expect to see various bird species, especially near the water. Other local fauna may also be present in the preserve's diverse habitats.
📸 📸 Photography
The Yakima River offers beautiful scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The diverse landscapes, from riverbanks to arid trails, also provide varied photographic opportunities.
Yes, the preserve is known for good bird activity, particularly towards the water. Early mornings are often best for spotting and photographing birds.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most flattering light for photography. Early mornings also mean fewer people in your shots.
The contrast between the riverine environment and the more arid trails offers unique photographic subjects. Look for interesting flora and fauna along the way.
A versatile lens is recommended to capture both wide landscapes and potential wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the river views, while a telephoto can be useful for birds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
A key consideration for families is the reported tick presence. It's highly advisable to take extra precautions, such as using child-safe insect repellent and performing thorough tick checks after your visit. Ensuring children stay on marked paths and are supervised closely will help make the outing enjoyable and safe. The preserve's natural beauty offers a wonderful opportunity for kids to connect with nature.
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Runners
Be aware that some trails can be overgrown or muddy, so choose your route based on current conditions and your comfort level. Cyclists should be mindful of sharing the trails with hikers and horseback riders. While the preserve is generally well-mapped, having a navigation app or understanding the trail markers can be beneficial. Enjoy the open spaces and the refreshing natural environment as you get your miles in.
🐶 Dog Owners
A significant concern for dog owners is the reported tick infestation. Several reviews highlight this issue, advising caution, especially during warmer months. It's recommended to use tick prevention products on your dog and conduct thorough checks after your visit. If you are particularly concerned about ticks, you might consider visiting during cooler seasons or opting for trails known to be less affected, though vigilance is always advised.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Chamna's Trails
It's important to note that some trails can become overgrown or muddy, especially after rainfall. Visitors have reported that maps are strategically placed along the trails, which is incredibly helpful for navigation and ensuring you don't get lost. Always wear appropriate footwear, especially if you plan to explore beyond the main paths. The diverse terrain makes Chamna a dynamic place to explore, offering a unique experience with each visit.
Respecting the Environment and Wildlife
The preserve is home to various wildlife, including notable bird activity near the water. Visitors should observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitats. While the preserve is dog-friendly, owners must keep their dogs on a leash where required and always clean up after them. Being mindful of these practices contributes to the preservation of Chamna's natural beauty and ensures a positive experience for all who visit.
Tick Awareness and Prevention
To minimize the risk of tick bites, it's recommended to wear long clothing, tuck pants into socks, and use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin. After your visit, conduct a thorough tick check on yourself and your pets. If you find a tick, remove it promptly and correctly. Being informed and prepared can help you enjoy your visit to Chamna without unwanted encounters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit