Distance: There are over 7.5 miles of trails in this 800-acre park.
Elevation Gain: Trails are flat to gently sloping. Maximum elevation gain is up to 300 feet..
High Point: Trailhead is 525 ft.
Season: Year-round
Description: Redmond Watershed Preserve was set aside in the 1920s as a source of water, but was later abandoned. Beginning in 1996 a network of trails and a parking lot were developed for recreational use. The trails wind through mature forest, past wetlands and streams and ponds. One of the loops is paved and is wheelchair (or stroller) accessible. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Pets are not allowed, though you will be sharing some of the trails with horses and bicyclists.
Directions: 21760 Novelty Hill Rd., Redmond, WA. From I-5 or I-405, take Hwy 520 East to its end. Continue onto Avondale Rd. in Redmond. Drive about 1.25 miles and turn right onto Novelty Hill Road. After about 2.4 miles, look for 218th Ave. NE and turn left. There will be a sign for the watershed preserve. There is a large parking area with restrooms and maps.
Links: You can read about the park here. View a map of trails here. Maps are also available at the trailhead. Find out more about the native plants and other trail descriptions on the Washington Native Plant Society webpage. Read Karen Sykes’ Hike of the Week on the PI webpage. Read the Seattle Times description of the park.
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