Riverview Park

Park Overview

Found in Renton, Washington, Riverview Park spans a modest 11 acres but packs quite a natural punch. The city snagged this park back in 1979 using Community Development Block Grant funds, and it's since become a key piece of the Cedar River Greenway System.

Here you'll discover easy access to the Cedar River Trail and plenty of open meadows great for tossing a frisbee or simply lounging on a blanket. The park offers a nice blend of wide-open spaces and forested sections with old trees that have stood for decades.

Natural Setting

The Cedar River flows right alongside the park, offering peaceful water views that enhance even a quick lunch break. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife going about their day!

Interesting interpretive displays tell the story of how the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe historically used the Cedar River, adding cultural depth to your visit. You'll also learn about the endangered Chinook and Sockeye salmon that struggle upstream to spawn in these waters.

A notable highlight is watching sockeye salmon swimming upstream during spawning season from the bridge or a riverside spot.

Pedestrian Bridge

Speaking of the bridge - it's worth noting the park's aluminum pedestrian bridge spanning the Cedar River. The original 1960s structure was replaced in 2014 with a sleek, modern single-span design featuring a light-penetrating grated surface.

This isn't just any bridge - it's your gateway from the parking area to the main park and offers perhaps the best vantage point for river-watching and wildlife spotting.

Recreation Opportunities

Riverview Park has a peaceful vibe that makes it great for low-key outdoor activities. The paved, ADA-accessible trail follows what was once a railroad route, giving your walk or jog a touch of history. Cyclists, joggers, and casual strollers all share this path comfortably.

Dog parents, rejoice - your furry friends are welcome here! The park makes for an especially charming dog-walking destination in fall when the changing leaves create a colorful backdrop for your daily constitutional.

Amenities

You'll discover all the basics covered: parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and a shelter if you're planning a small gathering. Beyond the main trail, narrower side paths branch off for those moments when you want to feel a bit more immersed in nature.

The Cedar River Trail doesn't just stop at the park boundaries - it connects to a historic trestle east of the park, opening up miles of exploration throughout the Cedar River Greenway. This network encompasses over 550 acres of parks and open spaces, both developed and wild.

Visitor Information

A heads-up about parking - it can fill up during summer months and weekends when everyone has the same great idea to visit. The entrance from Highway 169 sometimes gets congested, so consider this alternative: park at the old trestle parking area east of the park and enjoy a short walk back on the paved trail.

As with any park adventure, don't leave valuables in your car while you're off enjoying nature. Keep the good stuff with you or leave it at home.