Redmond Rain is wet. And you can be too! Post your "wet" pictures!
The posted coordinates are in the middle of a newly reconstructed wetland. Behold a large tree the contractor placed on its side. Securely attached to the tree are two brass disks with the final coordinates stamped onto them. See the spoiler photo. Getting there will be a challenge, depending on the season.
Congrats to DM&K Cachers for FTF!
Posted Coordinates Tree
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Final Tree
About this Wetland
Rain from the surrounding hills flows downhill until it fills this flat area adjacent to the Sammamish River. The frequent inundation of this area makes it challenging for new trees to become established, so when the area was cleared for farming decades ago, and later left abandoned back to nature, the invasive species Phalaris arundinacea, commonly known as reed canarygrass took over. It has been reported as an invasive weed in floodplains, riverside meadows, and other wetland habitat types around the world. When P. arundinacea invades a wetland, it inhibits native vegetation and reduces biological diversity. It alters the entire ecosystem. The grass propagates by seed and rhizome, and once established, is difficult to eradicate. King County is gradually planting trees in the area that will eventually shade out the reed canary grass to recreate the forested wetland and its diverse habitat. Blackberries are trying to outcompete the reed canarygrass, too. The Rowing Club recently did a large scale planting of native plants north of here to enhance a portion of this massive wetland as mitigation for construction of their new boat mansion. More impressively, Sound Transit has chosen this site as a place to restore the natural wetland habitat. Today you an find large trees they brought in. They removed all the invasive plants and backfilled with fertile soil and mulch. They are doing this to mitigate for impacts to the north where the new light rail is impacting some other wetlands.
Benefits of Wetlands
At one time, people believed wetlands were useless, and they were drained for development. They were known as "swamps", and there were whole campaigns in the fifties to drain swamps. In Redmond, the Sammamish River and Bear Creek were straightened and deepened to drain the wetlands that once covered the entire valley floor. The largest dredging project on the river was completed in 1964. If you visit Redmond Rain #6, you will follow a drainage ditch that was created to drain the farmland that is now Marymoor Park.
We now understand that wetlands are a valuable and crucial part of the world's ecosystem. Think of wetlands as a giant sponge, slowly absorbing water and releasing it when necessary. The sponge-like quality of wetlands allows them to return water to the ground during dry periods. Wetlands also slow down water's flow, reducing soil erosion.
Wetlands also filter the water, causing suspended sediment to drop out of the flow. This natural cleansing helps to keep pollution, toxins and nutrients out of the water system.
The abundant vegetation and shallow water levels in wetlands play host to many plant and animal species. This wetland is currently supporting coyote, deer, beavers, and diverse bird species. It is hoped that the new plant diversity, will bring animal diversity, too.
Tips for the Hunt
Reed canarygrass grows in such large mats that you may find yourself walking on top of a mat that is floating over open water. A walking stick may be a good idea to help ensure you don't go for a swim. When the Sammamish River is at flood stage, this cache terrain difficulty will approach five stars. This is best attempted in drier seasons.
After you have been hiking for a while, take a pause to listen to your surroundings. You will hear critters crawling through the reeds. Watch for deer hidden amongst the trees or blackberry bushes. There is open water nearby, in the form of Country Creek and some of its backwater channels.
The easiest parking is in the Sammamish Rowing Club Parking Lot. There is a $1 fee to park here. This is part of Marymoor Park, so if you have a monthly pass, or paid for parking in that park, just put the receipt in your window. Free parking is available in the neighborhoods across the street from the Rowing Club, but that requires crossing West Lake Sammamish Parkway.
Afternoon of a hot day during a drought: 2 star terrain.
February frozen ground with 8-inches of snow: 2.5 star terrain.
July - September: 3 star terrain.
October - June: 4 star terrain.
December Flood - 5 star terrain.