Farrel-McWhirter Trail, Redmond Powerline Trail — Saturday, Mar. 6, 2021

Walked the Farrel-McWhirter and Powerline trails with a side excursion to the trails in Juel park which is directly accessible to the north..  Total mileage was just about an even 5 going up the top of the next hill west on Powerline out and back plus the loops through Farrel-McWhirter and Juel.  Parking at McWhirter is plentiful and free, (though do note the gate is locked at dusk.)  There is also parking at Juel off NE 116th.  Well maintained porta-potties are available at both McWhirter and Juel.  Some of the southern “meadow” trails in McWhirter are a bit sloppy but everything else is in good condition with no issues.  

Farrel-McWhirter has some nice and quite large 2nd growth forest in addition to the more developed areas (horse riding arena, children’s play areas, picnic areas, etc.) and the beautiful little Macky Creek.  The side trip through Juel adds another beautiful forest and wetland area walk and some nice views of and direct access to the larger Bear Creek.  Powerline remains a traditional utility corridor but adds some vertical to get the blood moving and a few decent territorial views.  Quite a bit of wildlife out this morning - varied thrush, robin, junco, woodpecker, raven, douglas squirrel, a couple hawk of some sort doing loops over the meadows looking for lunch, evidence of recent beaver activity along Bear Creek, etc.  A beautiful, easy walk with lots to see if you are in the area.  

https://www.redmond.gov/288/Farrel-McWhirter-Park

https://www.redmond.gov/facilities/facility/details/Juel-Park-38