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Redmond Watershed Preserve

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
47.6968, -122.0515 Map & Directions
Length
4.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
400 feet
Highest Point
580 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Easy/Moderate
A hiker on a trail in Redmond Watershed Preserve. Photo by Yas Obara. Full-size image
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

Explore 800 acres of wooded area right in Redmond’s backyard. Continue reading

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Hiking Redmond Watershed Preserve

In 1926, the city of Redmond purchased a piece of land from Weyerhaeuser, intending to use Seidel Creek as a water supply. More acreage was later purchased to bring the watershed to 800 acres, however water quality issues led to the use of other water sources. Now this beautiful wooded area is managed primarily as a nature preserve, with a focus on protecting its wide variety of habitats, including ponds and other wetlands. In the interest of protecting the quality of these habitats, the preserve has enacted the following rules:
no pets, no alcohol, no fires or smoking, and no firearms. Please abide by these rules in order to keep the outdoor experience pleasant for all trail users.


The park's trails are multi-use: popular for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Be prepared to share the trail and look out for horse droppings. An underground natural gas line and pipeline regional trail above it runs north to south through the middle of the park, and an overhead power line runs east to west. Several regional trails pass through the park.

You can pick up a brochure -- which includes a trail map -- at the signboard near the parking lot. The park has more than seven miles of trails, but take note of which ones are open to which kind of users. The Trillium Trail on the west side of the park is for equestrians and hikers. Siler’s Mill Trail on the east side of the park is gated and for hikers only. Each of the trail intersections is signed and has a map letting you know where you are.

To see as much of the park as possible, make a 4.5-mile long loop starting from the parking lot. Take the Trillium Trail and the Siler’s Mill Trail by connecting them with multi-use trails. The grade is gentle and the trails are mostly in good condition. The loop goes up and down and gains about 400 feet total in elevation. The trails run through second-growth forest of Douglas firs, cedars, cottonwoods and maples. The trees are covered with moss and the ground is covered with sword ferns. Enjoy the chirping of birds, the croaking of frogs, and the smell of fir trees.

Hike Description Written by
Yas Obara, WTA Correspondent

Redmond Watershed Preserve

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.6968, -122.0515 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

Driving Directions

From Seattle, drive east on SR 520 until it becomes Avondale Road. Continue on Avondale Road, and after 1 mile go slight right at the fork onto Novelty Hill Road before the traffic light. Go straight for 2.3 miles, and turn left at Redmond Watershed Preserve sign across from 218th Ave NE. The parking lot has room for about 40 cars. There is a modern restroom, picnic tables, and a parking lot for horse trailers.

Take Transit

This trailhead is accessible by bus! Plan your visit by bus using TOTAGO, or consult the schedule for King County Metro DART route 224.

Get off at Cedar Park NE and NE Marketplace Dr.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

City of Redmond

Guidebooks & Maps

http://www.redmond.gov/common/pages/UserFile.aspx?fileId=24797

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Redmond Watershed Preserve

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