The best walks and hikes around Union Hill-Novelty Hill

Dog policies vary by park, so it's important to check before you go. Evans Creek Preserve is a popular spot for dog walkers, with trails where leashed dogs are welcome. However, the Redmond Watershed Preserve is a protected area and does not permit dogs on its trails to protect the local wildlife and water supply.

For an easy and educational outing, the trails at Evans Creek Preserve are excellent for families. They feature boardwalks over wetlands and meadows full of wildflowers in the spring. Another great option is the Farrel-McWhirter Park & Juel Park loop, which is a gentle walk with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers of all ages.

While most trails in the immediate area are easy or moderate, you can find more of a challenge on routes with more elevation. The Sunrise Loop and Adair Creek Trail is one of the more demanding options, featuring some steeper sections and a longer distance of over 5 miles (8 km).

The Redmond Watershed Preserve is a large, 800-acre forest focused on protecting a natural water source, offering miles of shaded trails under a mature canopy of Douglas fir and cedar. In contrast, the smaller Evans Creek Preserve provides more habitat diversity with trails that cross open wildflower meadows, wetlands, and forested uplands, making it a prime spot for wildlife and butterfly viewing.

Yes, the area is very popular for trail running. The Redmond Watershed Preserve offers an extensive network of well-maintained, soft-surface trails with rolling hills that are ideal for running. The Kari's Bog Trail loop is a local favorite, providing a gentle but engaging route through the forest.

The diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife. In forested areas and wetlands, you might spot deer, beavers, and songbirds like chickadees and woodpeckers. Evans Creek Preserve is particularly known for its wildlife, with possible sightings of black bears, hawks, and numerous butterfly species in the meadows.

Spring is the best season for wildflowers. Hikers can enjoy trillium blooming on the forest floor in the Redmond Watershed Preserve. For more open displays, the meadows at Evans Creek Preserve come alive with color, featuring beautiful fields of lupines.

Yes, some trails in the Redmond Watershed Preserve are designated for multi-use, including equestrian access. The Eagle Equestrian Trail is a key route for riders in this area. Always check the trail signage at the trailhead to confirm which paths are open to horses.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the lush, mossy evergreen forests that provide a sense of peaceful immersion in nature. The well-maintained and clearly marked trail systems in places like the Redmond Watershed Preserve are also frequently mentioned as a major plus.

There are over a dozen designated hiking routes available on komoot, ranging from short, easy loops to more moderate forest treks. The interconnected nature of the trail systems in places like the Redmond Watershed Preserve and Trilogy at Redmond Ridge means there are countless variations to explore.

Yes, the Redmond Ridge Trail is a paved regional trail perfect for a non-motorized walk, run, or bike ride. It runs through the Redmond Ridge neighborhood and also serves as a key connector to other major trail systems, including the Tolt Pipeline Trail.

Several trails feature creek crossings or follow alongside them. The Collin Creek & Adair Trail loop in the Redmond Watershed Preserve is a great example, offering pleasant sounds of the creek as you hike through the woods. The Adair Creek Trail within the Trilogy at Redmond Ridge community also follows its namesake creek.