Cedar River Trail

The Cedar River Trail stretches 17.4 miles from Lake Washington in Renton to Landsburg. You can find various access points and parking along its length, particularly in parks like Cedar River Park and Ron Regis Park in Renton, and near the Maple Valley area. Specific parking details can often be found on local county park websites.

Yes, the Cedar River Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's important to keep your dog on a leash and to clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users and to protect the local wildlife.

The trail offers something year-round. Fall is particularly spectacular due to the thousands of sockeye salmon spawning in the Cedar River, easily visible from trestles and natural areas. Spring and summer are great for general hiking and cycling, while Cavanaugh Pond offers year-round waterfowl viewing.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Cedar River Trail itself. As the trail passes through or near the Dorre Don Reach Natural Area, standard park regulations apply, but typically no fees are needed for day use of the trail.

The trail offers varied terrain. The first 12.3 miles from Lake Washington are paved and ADA accessible, making them suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The remaining 5 miles shift to an unpaved, soft-surface of packed gravel. Overall, the trail is mostly flat with minimal elevation gain.

You'll enjoy diverse scenery, including views of the Cedar River, small parks, and wooded areas with Douglas fir, western red cedar, bigleaf maple, and alder. Wildlife highlights include the sockeye salmon runs in the fall and various waterfowl at Cavanaugh Pond year-round. The trail also offers views of Lake Washington near its start.

Yes, the Cedar River Trail is very suitable for families and is largely accessible. The first 12.3 miles from Lake Washington are paved and ADA accessible, making them ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. The minimal elevation gain also contributes to its family-friendly nature.

Yes, the Cedar River Trail is part of a larger network. The route also passes through sections of the Green to Cedar Rivers Trail.

The upper section of the trail, from Maple Valley to Landsburg, is particularly praised for its scenic beauty. It winds away from the highway and through a wooded river valley, offering a more secluded experience. The opportunity to observe salmon spawning in the fall from various trestles is also a significant highlight.

Beyond hiking, the Cedar River Trail is popular for a variety of activities due to its length and varied surfaces. These include cycling, trail running, and even horseback riding on its soft-surface sections outside Renton city limits. It also serves as a non-motorized commuting route.

Absolutely. The Cedar River Trail is considered easy, with minimal elevation gain over its entire length. Its mostly flat nature and the paved sections make it very welcoming for beginners, casual walkers, and those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.