Hike Through Time

Step onto the trail—and walk through thousands of years of history.
Join National Park rangers and REACH educators for a guided hike up Candy Mountain, where every stop along the way tells a new chapter of the Columbia River Basin story.
From Ice Age floods to the Manhattan Project, you’ll experience how this land shaped—and was shaped by—people, science, and history.
This isn’t just a hike. It’s a moving timeline.
What to Expect:
•3.6-mile round-trip moderate hike
•~555 ft elevation gain
•Guided stops with storytelling and historical insights
•Sweeping views from the summit
Topics Along the Trail:
•Ice Age Floods and landscape formation
•Indigenous peoples of the region
•Lewis and Clark Expedition
•Early settlement and missionaries
•Hanford’s role in WWII and the Manhattan Project
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants should:
•Be comfortable completing a moderate 3.6-mile hike
•Wear close-toed shoes (no exceptions)
•Bring water and snacks (none provided)
•Dress for changing weather conditions
•Be prepared to be outdoors for 2+ hours
Meet at the Candy Mountain Trailhead parking lot:
•Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and briefing
•Hike departs promptly at start time
FREE community program
Learn More
Explore additional ranger programs: go.nps.gov/hanfordrangerprograms