Got out for a hike in Redmond's Watershed Preserve in the late afternoon. 

The parking lot was 1/4 full. 3 horseback riders passed us right after we started out on the Trillium Trail.  On the Siler’s Mill Trail, a father and son on bikes passed us. No bikes allowed on this trail. Think the graphic with the bike and line through it need to be LARGER. ;)

Lots of colorful leaves on the ground and up in the trees. The path was muddy in a couple of spots. 

Per usual, we passed 2-3 people running the trail.

We saw slugs, orange mushrooms, native squirrels and heard woodpeckers up in the canopy. 

A mom and 3 kids were at the Mill Pond when we arrived. The Mill Pond is so peaceful. The whole watershed is a treasure so close in to where we live.

3.5+ miles total. 8+ people. 3 horses.

This was my first attempt at a full 26.2 marathon and this 6.55 mile loop did not disappoint or make it easy on me.

I signed up for the NW Trail Races “Summer Blast” marathon at the Redmond Water Preserve and I wasn’t about to let my first marathon go for naught.

The race started at 8:30am sharp. During each of our four 6.55 mile laps, there were 5 mile and half-marathon racers starting and finishing at the same time. 

Being my very first marathon, I was nervous and very unprepared for the elevation gain and overall preparation for such an endeavor. I hit my “wall” around mile 9 and the rest of the race was a combination of wanting to quit and not wanting to have a “DNR” under my belt. I was determined to finish what I started and I made sure that the race director knew that.

During the course of the race I specifically remember people asking me, “Are you okay?”, and “It’s okay to take a DNR and learn from it.”, but I was more along the mindset of, “I trained for this, I paid for this, I’m finishing this.”

With that being said, I finished #39 of the 39 marathon racers that started the race and I have no shame for what I accomplished. I set out to complete a goal and to say that I could start and finish a marathon and I did it. It was tough and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever physically done before, but it was worth it.

BTW...this trail is well-maintained and had a decent parking lot to accommodate the demand for a casual stroll or run on the trails. I’m proud of myself and that’s all that I can say.

A good hike

55 degrees and raining - now that is a proper way to start summer in Seattle!  Walked the big loop around the Redmond Watershed Sunday morning in the rain parking at the north lot off NE 133rd.  The trails are in great shape, nicely brushed back with culverts other drainage recently cleared. There are no facilities at the north lot, but the restrooms at the paved south lot are functional and in excellent shape.  Still no pets allowed and we saw some coyote sign on several trails - one more reason not to let little fido tag along. Both the salmonberries and huckleberries are starting to get ripe already.

There were a bunch of birds out, several woodpecker, (both the big pileated and a smaller black and white one I had never seen before,) bunches of summer song birds, band tail pigeon, robin, ducks, etc.  The northeastern pond had a single blue heron and three raven - we initially heard what we thought was a heron call from up in one of the trees but when we walked up it was actually a raven. The heron would >croak< and then one or more of the raven seemingly would try to imitate the much lower pitched heron call.  Then the three raven would then call between each other and fly a couple hundred yards away but the heron would follow calling again only to be mimicked by the raven. They did it 4-5 times. I’ve never seen/heard anything like it. Maybe three bored young raven and a heron with just enough interest to play along?  Who knows..

Even in the rain, the watershed is a very nice chunk of green in the middle of suburbia.

I enjoyed this hike due to its easy elevation changes, soft trail, and beautiful forest views. However, some things to watch for are bikers that approach from behind and horse poop on the trails. The trails were easy to follow and well marked. If you are looking for an easy 4-5 mile hike, I recommend taking Trillium Trail and connecting with Pipeline Regional Trail to loop back to the South Parking Area. Definitely a good hike if you’re looking for blossoming wildflowers and friendly butterflies!