A grey, very calm day. Trail was in good condition - some muddy areas that made me happy I picked boots but overall firm and not slippery. Some mosquitos towards late afternoon but I only noticed them in the parking lot (south lot, which is near one of the ponds). Definitely a nice one for a rolling walk, bike, or trail run. The frogs are in good voice right now, and there were water birds in the ponds.

This is always a good choice if you want to get out for a bit of a walk without going too far. 

I haven't been in the preserve since last fall so was interested to see what damage had been inflicted from the bomb cyclone.  I entered the preserve from the main south lot and hiked the Trillium trail with an out and back on the Old pond trail, returning via Siler's mill and the Pipeline trails.  That's a nice loop that puts your around 5 miles.  Being later in the day I felt I was chasing the sun the whole way around, and at times I could almost feel the first stirring of spring.  All the sword ferns were looking down right perky.  Alas the sun was already gone by the time I reached the bench at the old pond so, after admiring the ice sheet, I did not linger there.  The biggest trail damage was close to the small pond on Siler's Mill trail.  Multiple trees down (all cleared away now, thanks Redmond park and rec), and I have to say some of those root balls were impressive.  Marching on I finally found a few sunbeams to admire as I approached the Pipeline regional trail and back to the car.  The area under the power lines right before the parking lot is impressive with frost maintaining a firm grip there.  Otherwise the trails were in great shape, mostly frozen a few frost heaves but not slippy.

As you drive in and out just watch out for the short icy section where the access road passes the entrance pond.

The Redmond Watershed Preserve is one of my favorite areas around Redmond, I've been there several times and still haven't seen everything. It's nice to go there to enjoy nature after a stressful day at work. The trails are usually in good shape.

Destination: The old Mill Pond.

The parking lot was pretty darn full (3/4) for a late afternoon (2:40), cold day. The frost made the blackberry vines and grasses look magical.

The sun was finding the forest floor in part, lighting up steaming trees (they looked like they were breathing) and earth.

We probably passed 15+ people on our way down. A couple of trail runners, a family with a stroller and scattered groups.

The Mill pond was frozen in parts and running where it empties into the stream. There was a heron sitting on the edge of the pond at the back. It took off, did a big arc over the water and settled high in a pine tree.

4.2 miles in total.

I lost my hat! It's probably halfway down. A knit hat with tail and strings to tie it under your chin. Going back today to see if it's still there.

The Preserve was closed today, the road was gated at the south entrance. I had gone back to hunt for my camera, so I walked down to the parking lot, hoping someone had found it and there it was, right in the lost and found box!!! Thanks to that helpful hiker!! We hiked the parameter route yesterday for about 5 miles, then the little loop around the Trout trail. Nice interpretive signage around this short loop, a decorated tree with painted rocks underneath and a new beautiful bench. As we were sitting on the bench eating our lunch we met the donors of the new bench. It was a gift to the park on their 55th wedding anniversary and they were delighted to see it being used by us. What a positive experience with hikers to start out the new year! Happy New Year hikers from the hiking grandmas.