Are you in the mood for some hiking, biking, and viewing the beauty that the state of Washington has to offer? Redmond, Washington, boasts 47 parks, 1,351 acres of land, and 59 miles of public trails. There are so many trails and gorgeous scenery, it is hard to pick which park one will visit. Below are three different trails that highlight some of what Redmond has to offer for nature-lovers.
Redmond Watershed Preserve
Skill Level: Easy to Moderate. Redmond Watershed Preserve is a 4.6-mile loop which runners, bikers, horseback riders, and hikers can enjoy while viewing natural wildlife, fir trees, and western hemlocks. Beavers, bobcats, deer, and black bears also have been spotted. The loop takes about two to three hours to complete. The park’s highest point is 580 feet and the trails are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
However, the trail is known to be slippery after a rain. Dogs are not allowed in this park, and horseback riders and bikers are only permitted on specific trails. Parking and admission are free, so enjoy the view, scenery, and wildlife in the Redmond Watershed Preserve.
Staying near the trails is a good idea if you want to get an early start in the morning or make an easy return trip, as most trails are close to one another. Planning your stay ahead of time will help guide you in choosing the right accommodations.
Redmond Puget Power Trail
Skill Level: Easy to Moderate. Bicycle riders, hikers, horseback riders, and skaters can enjoy this trail as it has a smooth, blacktop surface along the river. Redmond Puget Power Trail is a 6.7-mile one-way trip, equaling about roughly 11-12 miles of trail. The highest elevation here is 574 feet. This trail is recommended for novice to intermediate bikers. Hikers can enjoy birdwatching and may see beaver and deer. The trail is dog-friendly, and there is no entry fee. In addition, there are links and access points in the trails to other walking trails.
Willows Fjords
Skill Level: Moderate to Difficult. If you are in the mood for a more difficult adventure, visit Willows Fjords where there are 5.4 miles of several different trail options. This park is not recommended for beginners as there are steep switchbacks and the trails do run up and down. It can become very swampy and muddy in the winter, making the conditions more difficult to navigate. However, once on the trail, hikers can observe a variety of trees: Douglas fir, big leaf maple, alder, cedar, and blackberry.
The trails connect the Sammamish River Trail to the Puget Power Trail and there are several entrances and access points to the trail. The trail itself is shaped like a double-topped lollipop, meaning there is a “stick” and two stacked loops. This trail offers some great exercise for those who love to be outdoors.
Redmond caters to the nature lover, those who enjoy being outside and those who enjoy hiking. Whether it’s for exercise, relaxation, or just relishing the outdoors, there is a trail waiting for you.