Hazel Wolf Wetlands

The Hazel Wolf Wetlands Preserve is a 116-acre wetland and forest habitat in Sammamish that is privately owned by Forterra, an organization formerly known as the Cascade Land Conservancy. The principal trailhead is at a small parking area along 248th Ave SE just north of SE 13th Pl, under a high-voltage power line. Alternatively, the Preserve can be reached from the north via an initially-unsigned trail beginning on Main Dr at the power line crossing.

There is an information board at the trailhead. There is no entry fee, and the preserve is open from dawn to dusk. For a map, see the Trail Maps link. The 1.7 mile hike is nearly level, with an elevation change of about 60 feet.

The Main Trail that leaves the parking area skirts the west side of the wetland and continues north to reach Main Dr. The Main Trail is open to pedestrian and equestrian use only (no bikes) and dogs are allowed on a short leash. However, Ann's Walking Trail, that leaves the Main Trail and circles around the south, east and north sides of the wetland, is open only to walkers. Dogs, and even joggers, are not permitted there to avoid disturbing the abundant wildlife.

Begin your hike from the parking area, passing a few backyards of homes on Windsor Dr SE, and reach the Preserve boundary in about a quarter mile. In another 500 feet, come to a junction with the southern end of Ann's Walking Trail. You can go either way here, since the Main Trail and Ann's Trail provide a loop around the wetland.

If you turn right onto Ann's Trail you will come to a sturdy bridge over the outlet stream from the wetland. The stream has the interesting name--Laughing Jacobs Creek, and no doubt some colorful history. To the left of the bridge, note the large beaver dam that raises the water level of the wetland. To the right of the bridge a smaller beaver dam is visible downstream. The ongoing trail passes very close to the east end of the large dam, so you will be able enjoy a close-up view of its construction.

A bit farther along, you'll reach a junction with a connecting trail to the Beaver Lake Preserve, a Sammamish city park. The connecting trail is marked at this end with a makeshift sign declaring it to be "Fred's Way," and it leads in about a quarter mile to The Beaver Lake Preserve's 1.2 mile loop trail. So it's possible to include both Preserves in a single hike. For additional details, see our Hiking Guide entry for the Beaver Lake Preserve.

The ongoing Ann's Trail offers many views through the trees out to the wetland. It's hard to judge the depth of the water, but it's shallow enough everywhere for a few lilypads to grow. You are likely to see and hear at least a few ducks, depending on the season, and perhaps some wild geese too. Even if you are quiet they may become aware of your presence and move farther away, so you may have difficulty getting close enough for photos. You might find binoculars helpful for good waterfowl viewing.

Ann's Trail loops around to the north end of the wetland, where a viewing platform looks out across the water. In the distance, you can make out the No 1 and No 2 summits of West Tiger Mountain. A sign on the viewing platform indicates it is under 24 hour video surveillance, although the camera is not obvious. So smile, and be on your good behavior! You never know who might be watching, or who might review the archived video in the future.

Soon after you leave the viewing platform, Ann's Trail rejoins the Main Trail about 1/3 mile north of its southern junction. Unless you want to explore the northern extension of the Main Trail on its way to Main Dr, you can turn left here and head back south on the Main Trail to rejoin your incoming route and return to your trailhead at the parking area.