Redmond Watershed Preserve — Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Redmond Watershed trails at Novelty Hill road in Redmond - what a fantastic place to spend a rainy morning. We wandered about 6 miles of beautiful 2nd growth forest that has an old growth forest feel about it - mosses draped on whimsical tree sculptures and covering mysterious mounds of biomass - a feast for the eyes. Also a delight are mottled silvery trunks of alder, the reddish western red cedar, twisty vine maple, Doug fir, hemlock, huge clusters of big leaf maple, the golden sticks of early spring salmon berry and beaver ponds. The trail system includes trail for bicycles, horses, hikers, and there is a nice hiker-only trail as well. I highly recommend this place. Today we were serenaded by ducks, winter wrens, and the rain hissing into the various beaver ponds. Look closely and see the beaver teeth marks on sharp stumps. Here's an informational website to browse: http://www.sahale.com/redmond.htm