Information
Landmark: Redmond Watershed PreserveCity: Redmond
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America
Redmond Watershed Preserve, Redmond, USA Washington, North America
Overview
Tucked away in Redmond, Washington, the Redmond Watershed Preserve spans about 800 acres of protected forest and trails, a quiet refuge where moss softens the ground, as well as the site began in the 1920s as a city watershed supplying fresh drinking water, but over time it became a public nature preserve devoted to safeguarding native ecosystems, sheltering wildlife, and giving people a chance to wander shaded trails just minutes from downtown.The preserve’s landscape unfolds in a mix of second-growth forests, quiet wetlands, still ponds, and wide, sunlit meadows, along with towering Douglas firs, Western red cedars, bigleaf maples, and a tangle of understory shrubs form a dense canopy overhead, its cool shade sheltering a rich mix of plants and wildlife.Wetlands and compact ponds dot the preserve, offering vital homes for frogs and herons, while shaded forest stretches give deer and songbirds both cover and a steady food supply, also compact creeks and quiet ponds feed the area’s riparian ecosystem, keeping frogs, salamanders, and flocks of migrating birds alive and thriving.Careful management keeps the preserve’s ecosystem thriving, guarding clear streams and limiting the mark people leave behind, therefore the Redmond Watershed Preserve features more than 7.5 miles of winding, connected trails where hikers crunch over pine needles, bikers carve through turns, horseback riders trot under the trees, and nature lovers find quiet corners to explore.Trillium Trail stretches about 1.5 miles on a soft, natural path, welcoming both hikers and horseback riders as it winds through dense woods where the only sound might be a rustle of leaves overhead, moreover siler Mill Trail stretches a mile and a half through dense forest, reserved just for hikers, where the air smells of pine and the world feels far away.Powerline and Gasline Trails offer smooth, winding paths where you can bike, hike, or ride horseback, linking different parts of the preserve under open sky and the scent of pine, consequently tree Frog Loop Trail is a 0.7‑mile paved path with an elevated boardwalk and signs that share stories about the local ecosystems, easy to roll along in a wheelchair or push a stroller under the rustle of nearby leaves.As you can see, Trout Loop Trail is a short, 0.6-mile path just steps from the parking lot, perfect for families or anyone out for an easy stroll under the pines, at the same time the trail is designed for low-impact use, so wildlife stays undisturbed and you can still wander through the pines and enjoy the view.As far as I can tell, At the Redmond Watershed Preserve, visitors can count on well-placed amenities that make their trips easier and more comfortable, as well as two main parking lots provide access to the trails-one at the southern entrance on Novelty Hill Road, with restrooms and ADA-accessible features, and another at the northern entrance near Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park, somewhat At the southern trailhead, you’ll find modern, spotless restrooms with cool running water ready for visitors, alternatively picnic areas feature scattered tables where you can sit back, share a meal, and listen to the wind moving through the trees.Along the Tree Frog Loop Trail, minute weathered panels share stories of the preserve’s plants, wildlife, and why the ecosystem matters, along with pet Policy: Pets aren’t allowed inside the preserve to protect wildlife and keep its fragile habitats-like mossy creek banks-undisturbed.Interestingly, The preserve’s shifting landscapes hum with life, sheltering everything from darting songbirds to quiet deer in the shade, besides birdwatchers often spot woodpeckers tapping at tree trunks, owls blinking in the twilight, and flocks of migratory songbirds passing overhead.Frogs croak from the wetlands and salamanders slip through the ponds, while deer, squirrels, and rabbits make their homes beneath the shadowy forest canopy, meanwhile this rich mix of life shows how the preserve serves as a vital urban haven, sheltering native plants and animals among quiet stands of oak.Conservation work centers on protecting clean water and native plants, keeping invasive species in check, and making sure people use the land in ways that don’t upset the balance of the ecosystem, besides the preserve opens its gates at first light and closes at dusk, inviting people to wander its trails in every season.The Tree Frog Loop Trail is a smooth, paved path that’s easy for wheelchairs, perfect for families pushing strollers, and lined with interpretive signs that share bits of local history and wildlife stories, in turn local groups, like the Redmond Watershed Walkers, lead regular guided hikes where you might hear the crunch of gravel underfoot, teaching people about the environment and encouraging care for the preserve.At these events, neighbors can soak up the fresh air, swap stories, and discover the plants and wildlife that thrive nearby, all while enjoying one another’s company, as a result just a few minutes from downtown Redmond, you’ll find the preserve’s main entrance at 21760 NE Novelty Hill Road, marked by a simple wooden sign, loosely If you’re coming from Seattle, you’ll usually follow SR 520 east to Avondale Road, turn onto Novelty Hill Road, and finish the drive down 218th Avenue NE, where the southern lot sits shaded by tall pines, in conjunction with just a short drive from the city, the preserve is easy to reach whether you’re chasing a last‑minute hike or mapping out a full day in the woods where pine needles crunch underfoot.The Redmond Watershed Preserve offers a rare stretch of green where moss clings to quiet trails, balancing protected habitat with places for people to explore, while winding trails, varied landscapes, and well-placed benches offer a peaceful retreat for hikers, families, and anyone who loves watching a red-tailed hawk glide overhead.The preserve safeguards vital watersheds and gives Redmond residents an easy escape into nature, where the scent of pine lingers in the air, enriching daily life and helping regional wildlife thrive despite the growing city around it.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-05
