Redmond, Washington: A Comprehensive Geographic Profile
Redmond, Washington is a prominent city in King County. Known globally as a center for technological innovation, Redmond is nestled at the northern tip of Lake Sammamish and extends into the Sammamish River Valley. The city’s geography is defined by its transition from a historic logging and agricultural hub to a high-tech urban center surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Indigenous Heritage: The Sammamish People
Before the arrival of European settlers, the land within Redmond’s boundaries was inhabited by the Sammamish (tsah-pah-bish) people, a Coast Salish group. They maintained significant settlements along the Sammamish River (historically known as Squak Slough), utilizing the waterways for trade and the abundance of salmon as a primary resource. Today, Redmond recognizes the enduring connection of the Coast Salish tribes to this land.
Physical Geography and Waterways
Redmond’s landscape is shaped by its river valley and the northern basin of Lake Sammamish. Key geographic features within the city limits include:
- Lake Sammamish: The city occupies the northern shoreline of this freshwater lake, which serves as a major recreational and ecological landmark.
- The Sammamish River: This river flows through the heart of Redmond, connecting Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington. It is a vital corridor for both wildlife and the regional trail system.
- Bear Creek: A significant tributary that runs through eastern Redmond, known for being one of the most productive salmon-spawning streams in the urbanized King County area.
- Education Hill: A prominent residential plateau that rises above the valley floor, offering views of the Cascade Range to the east.
The “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest”
Redmond is uniquely characterized by its extensive trail infrastructure. The Sammamish River Trail and the Marymoor Connector Trail converge within the city, making Redmond a central hub for non-motorized regional transit. This geographic commitment to cycling is celebrated annually through the city’s “Derby Days” and the presence of the state’s only velodrome.
Primary Redmond Zip Codes
The following zip codes are primary to the Redmond city proper:
| Zip Code | Primary District/Area |
|---|---|
| 98052 | Downtown / Education Hill / Overlake |
| 98053 | Union Hill / Novelty Hill (Eastern Redmond) |
| 98073 | Post Office Box / Central Business District |
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Neighborhoods and Key Districts
Redmond is organized into several distinct neighborhoods, each serving a specific role in the city’s ecosystem:
- Downtown Redmond: The historic core of the city, which has undergone significant urban densification, featuring mixed-use developments and the Redmond Town Center.
- Overlake: The city’s major employment hub, located in the southwestern portion of Redmond. It is home to the sprawling 500-acre global headquarters of Microsoft.
- Education Hill: A largely residential area north of Downtown, so named for the high concentration of schools located on the ridge.
- Grass Lawn: A residential neighborhood in western Redmond, known for its proximity to large parks and the border with Kirkland.
- Bear Creek: A district on the eastern edge of the city that balances retail centers with significant environmental preservation areas.
Protected Areas and Parks
Redmond maintains a high ratio of open space to developed land, featuring several major preserves within or bordering the city limits:
- Marymoor Park: While technically a King County park, it is located entirely within Redmond’s boundaries. Covering 640 acres, it is the most popular park in the county and serves as a regional destination for sports, concerts, and off-leash dog recreation.
- Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park: A unique 68-acre park that maintains a working farm environment, providing educational programs and forest trails.
- Idylwood Beach Park: The city’s primary access point to the shores of Lake Sammamish, featuring swimming areas and boat launches.
- Redmond Watershed Preserve: A 800-acre protected forest on the eastern edge of the city with miles of trails for hiking and equestrian use.
Infrastructure and Innovation
As a global tech leader, Redmond’s geography includes specialized infrastructure:
- Innovation Triangle: Redmond forms a corner of this economic zone (alongside Kirkland and Bellevue) dedicated to fostering the tech industry.
- Future Light Rail: The Sound Transit Link Light Rail extension is currently reshaping the Overlake and Downtown geography, providing a direct rail connection to the Seattle urban core.
