Cedar River Watershed Education Center551

The Cedar River Watershed, managed by the Seattle Public Utilities, provides most of Seattle's drinking water. To keep this area pristine, its 90,000 acres are off-limits to unaccompanied visitors. The Education Center (opened in October 2001), however, provides a way for the public to access and appreciate an area that is both magically beautiful and of vital importance to Seattle's well-being.

The Center is worth a visit on its own - it's a beautiful spot. Built in a "Northwest Natural" style of simple lines, pitched roofs, and sustainable building materials, its flagstone courtyards and lush native plant gardens encourage wandering and reflection. A stream bordered by stone steps runs under the building and through the front courtyard; in late summer, tadpoles, salamanders, and water bugs can be seen in its clear waters. Decks invite visitors to glimpse turquoise blue Rattlesnake Lake, accessible via a 1.5 mile gravel trail loop that starts near the entry courtyard.

Bird-watchers can be on the lookout for Osprey, Pileated Woodpeckers, Western Tanagers, and other species; check the blackboard near the Center's front door for an update of what's been spotted recently. Be sure to visit the Center's inner courtyard, where 21 drums representing different cultures have been set up to catch rainfall. When it rains, the raindrops (mimicked by a computer progam when it's dry) sound the drums.

The Education Center houses interpretive exhibits and historical material (look for pictures of the town of Moncton, submerged by Rattlesnake Lake in 1915); a small shop with a good selection of guidebooks and a few nature-oriented toys; and various educational programs and nature workshops for adults and kids. During the summer months, Seattle Public Utilities naturalists lead tours through the closed watershed. Call the tour information line for information. [206.233.1515]