Redmond Watershed Preserve — Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022

After a summer of driving 1 to 3 hours to hike the mountains, and a week of much driving, I wanted a hike close to home that still made me feel like I was in the wild. Redmond Watershed Preserve delivered! What a gem - miles of trails, total tranquility, creeks, ponds, and a trail in excellent shape. I marveled at the quiet (something you don't get on many of the trails near I-90 with the constant hum of cars), the wildlife (birds, squirrels, deer, and a few piles of very purple bear scat), and the depth with which I felt I was in the forest. While there are signs at every junction, I still managed to go down the wrong one, so I do recommend double checking your route if you don't have time to get a little lost. The junction in the photo of the map is particularly confusing. Paired with a loop through nearby neighborhoods that included Collin Creek Trail, I managed to hike 7 miles today! I feel so incredibly lucky to have forested trails just a ten minute drive from my home. Note that dogs are not allowed in Redmond Watershed Preserve.