Redmond Watershed Preserve — Thursday, Apr. 22, 2021

Walked the Redmond Watershed trails Thursday morning doing the big external loop counter clockwise from the north parking lot and included the two small ADA and interpretive loops on the south end.  Mileage for this large, messy loop is just about 6 miles even, but there are many other shorter/easier options.  Parking is plentiful and free at both the north lot off 218th Ave and the main south lot along NE Novelty Hill Rd.  No restrooms at the north lot but the full restroom at the south lot are open and in good condition.  Paper trail maps were fully stocked at both trailheads - a nice touch.  With our recent August in April weather all the trails are dry and in good condition.  Interestingly there is a bunch of big blowdown from this winter but it’s all been bucked up and out of the way - the maintenance folks have been working their butts off, kudos.

There are a good number of spring flowers out, salmonberry, trillium, miner’s lettuce, huge patches of skunk cabbage, oregon grape, red currant, yellow pond lily, evergreen violet, etc.  The ponds are full of song birds and ducks.  One big raven made an appearance >grok, groking< above the forest canopy.  Nothing super spectacular but a nice, quiet, walk in the woods.