Cedar River Park

Where It's At

Nestled along the Maple Valley Highway in Renton, Washington, Cedar River Park spans a generous 23 acres where the Cedar River meets Lake Washington. The views? Pretty spectacular. And if you're worried about finding it, don't be - it's right off I-405 and the Maple Valley Highway, making it a breeze to access for anyone in the Renton area looking for a green escape.

What You'll Find There

Cedar River Park isn't just a park - it's more like the neighborhood's outdoor living room. It's part of a larger complex that includes the Renton Community Center, Carco Theatre, and the Henry Moses Aquatic Center. The park offers options for community events and sports at the baseball diamond. And yes, there's plenty of parking, so no need to stress about that.

Hit the Trail

One of our favorite things about this park is its connection to the Cedar River Trail. This 17.3-mile paved path follows the river all the way from Lake Washington to Landsburg. It's perfect if you're looking to walk, jog, or cycle while soaking in the natural beauty of the Cedar River valley. Some parts of the trail are nicely shaded (a blessing during those rare but appreciated sunny Seattle days), while other sections open up to give you those Instagram-worthy landscape views.

Wildlife Watching

If you time your visit for October, you're in for a treat. That's when salmon - including the endangered Chinook - make their upstream journey to spawn. It's one of those natural events that remind you just how amazing our Pacific Northwest ecosystem is. Trust us, it's worth a special trip just to witness this.

Water Fun

Feel like getting out on the water? The park has a non-motorized boat launch fantastic for kayaks and canoes, giving you access to both the Cedar River and Lake Washington. There's also a spacious dock area and several access points to the river - ideal spots to cool off when the temperature climbs above 70 (hey, that's hot for Washington).

For the Dogs

Cedar River Park is seriously dog-friendly. There's a dedicated off-leash dog park where your four-legged friend can run free within a safe, fenced area. If you prefer to keep your pup on a leash, the trails and grassy areas welcome well-behaved dogs too. Many people specifically come here so their dogs can splash around in designated swimming areas of the river - pure doggy bliss.

Picnic Paradise

Planning a get-together? The park offers several covered picnic areas that protect you from both rain and sun (though let's be honest, it's usually the former in the PNW). Beyond these designated spots, there are plenty of open grassy areas ideal for spreading out a blanket and enjoying an impromptu lunch with a view.

The Vibe

What really sets Cedar River Park apart is its peaceful atmosphere. It's well-maintained, the facilities including the restrooms are clean, and it draws a diverse crowd. You'll see families with kids, seniors enjoying a stroll, couples walking hand-in-hand, and solo visitors just taking in some nature. It's the kind of place that reminds you why we put up with all those rainy days - because when the sun does shine on the Pacific Northwest, there's nowhere more beautiful to be.