The hike through Redmond Watershed was very peaceful and pleasant. The parking lot was a breeze, with there being plenty of spots and the whole lot being paved. Outside, the temperature was just right despite it being winter as of writing. The trails are well maintained, with no one ever having to duck under bushes or slide past plants. It had rained recently, so the trail was a bit wet and muddy in some places, but it was nothing a normal pair of sneakers couldn't handle. Several other groups were out walking too, which can be comforting for those that don't want to travel too far away from civilization. One thing to be careful when hiking here in the summer is bears; I have seen bears here on past hikes in the summer, but in winter they aren't a problem.

Staying local and a head of the incoming windstorm I returned to explore more of the preserve.  On the trail by ten everything was calm and quiet.  This time I took in as many of the trails as I could.  Starting from the main south lot I took the Trillium trail a beautifully manicured trail heading north, at the top of the preserve I then followed the Old Pond trail all the way to the NW access.  At the outlet of the (old) pond there is a nice bridge and bench with lovely peaceful views across the water.  Back tracking  a bit I then headed east picking up the Collin Creek trail until I passed the entrance to the Siler's Mill trail.  Heading south on the mill trail you pass a smaller pond, and again there is a nice bench for viewing - this is luxe hiking for sure.  After the small pond the tread became a bit more track like until the trail turned to connect to the Pipeline Regional trail which runs north-south up the middle of the preserve.  Then it was smooth carpet hiking back to the main lot.  Saw some mergansers on the ponds, and a couple of Doug squirrels one of which stared me down as he wanted to cross the trail.

I had on my winter boots which with the super smooth and gently graded trails felt like overkill for sure. I saw quite a few hikers and casual walkers on the trail, one cyclist, and a number of trail runners, but it never felt busy.  All intersections are marked but still good to snap a picture of the main map so you have an idea where you are, as on my route there were more than ten junctions.  I passed two park maintenance workers in a small electric truck with a leaf blowers and shovels, so that's how things are kept so well here, your tax dollars at work!

All in my mileage was just over five a good distance and doable as a morning hike although I was getting pretty hungry at the end.  The south end parking lot is very nice with very swanky restrooms and picnic tables outside in a grassy area.  What a gem this place is.

A New Years Eve afternoon hike at the Watershed. We did the 2 small loops off of the parking lot, Trout and Tree Frog first. There were mallards and hooded mergansers in the pond. A large Douglas Fir came down over the path recently. It's already cut away and cleaned up. (Paved path dented a bit.)

Hoping to find a geocache, we headed back out and took the Regional Powerline Trail up the hill. We heard and saw a Downy or Hairy Woodpecker in the forest before the Powerline Trail.

We so rarely go up this way and it's quite beautiful. Dipping up and down, into the forest and out to the open areas, it seems quieter than the hike down to the Mill Pond. 

After finding the geocache, we headed back to the parking lot. 3.8 miles in total. My left knee would argue it felt like 5. ;)

A snow and ice free close to home hike.  We combined the first shorter loop of the Trillium trail with both the Trout and Tree Frog nature trail loops to make an outing of around three and a half miles, perfect for a Christmas Day afternoon breather.  With the exception of the slightly jarring short connector trail under the power lines the trails of the preserve were all gorgeous immersing us in a full on forest experience.  Very rejuvenating after the hustle of the holiday season.  Adding to the sense of wonder the little pond on the Tree Frog loop was almost fully iced over with a steamy mist rising over the frozen surface.  You get the best view across the pond from the road on the way in but we spotted ducks our only wildlife of the day at the far end from the observation deck.  Not at all busy but sadly passed two parties with dogs.  Dogs are not allowed here as this is a preserve and they disturb the wildlife.

The family took a hike at Redmond's Watershed Preserve. The parking lot was mostly empty, very light traffic on the trails. We walked down to the Old Mill Pond.

The forest was beautiful with the new fallen/falling snow. The pond was partially frozen. My kiddo saw what we believe is a Northwestern Salamander.  That was unexpected. Very neat.

3.8 miles in total.