Cedar River Trail Park

Where the River Meets the Lake

Tucked away in Renton, Washington, Cedar River Trail Park spans 24 peaceful acres where the Cedar River gently flows into Lake Washington. This park makes a good starting point for the Cedar River Trail, a 17.4-mile path that follows the river all the way to Landsburg.

The park bridges the gap between city and countryside sections of the trail. From here, you can set off on shorter walks or longer adventures along the mostly paved pathway (the first 12.3 miles are paved, with the final five miles featuring a softer surface). With its flat, straight design, the trail welcomes everyone from casual strollers to serious cyclists.

Nature's Show

Despite being close to the city, the park offers a surprising amount of wildlife viewing opportunities. Keep your eyes peeled for majestic Blue Herons wading near the shoreline or Bald Eagles soaring overhead. The riverbanks are often dotted with ducks and geese going about their day.

If you visit in fall, you're in for a treat - the annual salmon migration transforms the river into a natural spectacle as determined fish battle upstream to spawn. The trail's tree-lined sections provide welcome shade during summer months, and the combination of flowing water and greenery creates a refreshing escape from urban life.

Picnics, Play, and Paddling

Spread throughout the park are numerous picnic tables and benches, many featuring BBQ stands for impromptu cookouts. These spots offer nice water views - good for a leisurely lunch outdoors.

Families will appreciate the playground with its newer ship-themed equipment designed for kids between 2 and 12 years old. The play area sits conveniently close to picnic facilities, making it easy to plan a full day out. Just remember that the park borders both a busy street and water, so keep a close eye on little ones.

Water enthusiasts can take advantage of the non-motorized boat launch, meant for getting kayaks and canoes into the water. Don't have your own watercraft? No problem - the Cedar River Boathouse is just a short walk away, offering rentals and instruction for would-be paddlers.

Where Nature Meets Technology

One of the more unusual aspects of Cedar River Trail Park is its neighbor - the Boeing Renton facility and Renton Airport. This creates an interesting juxtaposition where you can watch birds soaring alongside freshly manufactured aircraft taking flight. It's an interesting contrast between nature and industry.

The park features a boardwalk/pier extending toward Lake Washington, offering spectacular views across the water. There's also a bridge overlook that's fantastic for pausing to appreciate the river below.

Families with kids will enjoy the Kids in Park Track Trail, a specialized path designed to keep younger visitors engaged with the natural world around them.

Practical Matters

You'll discover plenty of parking available, making access a breeze. Clean restrooms are located near the playground - always a plus when spending several hours outdoors, especially with children.

Accessibility was clearly considered in the park's design, with ramps and gentle slopes that accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Thoughtfully placed benches around the grounds provide spots to rest and soak in the scenery.

Four-legged friends are more than welcome here, with many visitors bringing their dogs to explore the trails. Dog waste stations are conveniently located throughout, helping everyone do their part to keep the park clean. During warmer months, certain areas allow dogs to splash around in the water - a bonus for pet owners on hot days.