Redmond Watershed Preserve | Redmond

The Redmond Watershed Preserve is a protected natural area located in Redmond, Washington, USA. It encompasses a significant tract of forested land managed for water quality and public recreation.

Visual Characteristics

The preserve features dense coniferous forest dominated by Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock. Understory vegetation includes salal, Oregon grape, and ferns. Several small streams and wetlands are present throughout the area. The terrain is generally undulating with some steeper slopes.

Location & Access Logistics

The Redmond Watershed Preserve is situated approximately 5 kilometers northeast of downtown Redmond. Access is primarily from Northeast 104th Street, which leads to the main parking area. Parking is available in a designated lot. Public transport options are limited; King County Metro bus route 235 stops near the intersection of Northeast 104th Street and 100th Avenue Northeast, requiring a walk of approximately 1.5 kilometers to the preserve entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The land was acquired by the City of Redmond in stages, beginning in the late 1980s, to protect the drinking water supply for the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District. Ecologically, it represents a remnant of the Pacific Northwest's temperate rainforest ecosystem.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include hiking on a network of marked trails, including the 3.5-kilometer Watershed Loop Trail. Birdwatching is a common activity. The preserve is open for passive recreation only; no motorized vehicles are permitted on the trails.

Infrastructure & Amenities

A gravel parking lot is available at the main entrance. Restrooms are located near the parking area. There are no designated picnic areas or food vendors within the preserve. Cell phone signal is intermittent to non-existent in most areas of the preserve.

Best Time to Visit

The preserve is accessible year-round. Spring (April-May) offers blooming understory plants. Summer (July-August) provides drier trail conditions. Autumn (September-October) features fall colors in deciduous undergrowth. Winter months can be wet and muddy. Mid-morning to late afternoon offers the best natural light for viewing the forest canopy.

Facts & Legends

A specific geological feature within the preserve is a large glacial erratic, a boulder transported by ice sheets during the last ice age, located approximately 1 kilometer west of the main entrance on the Watershed Loop Trail.

Nearby Landmarks

• Marymoor Park (2.5km Southwest)
• Sammamish River Trail (3.0km West)
• Redmond Town Center (4.0km Southwest)
• Big Finn Hill Park (4.5km Northwest)