With COVID still raging, I wanted to go somewhere that isn't necessarily popular and filled with people, but still plenty charming. Cedar River Trail fit the bill perfectly. We parked at Liberty Park, which is next to the Renton library. From there, you can walk down to the trail, heading northward. The first part of the trail is a brick path, immediately adjacent to Cedar River. This portion gets flooded during the heavy rain season. On this pleasant day, we were visited by ducks and enjoyed some flowers along the way. This trail also goes pass one of the Boeing sites. If you trespass, you can get up close and personal to some 737's though I am not recommending that. :P The trail transitions to the official park portion, named Cedar River Trail Park. Normally, there are pamphlets for kids to explore nature. But with COVID, they are not leaving any papers out to grab. The area has picnic tables for your convenience. The north end of this trail is the Renton Rowing Center and the southern tip of Lake Washington. You can literally see Mercer Island in front of you, Seattle to the left, and Bellevue to the right. I loved standing here enjoying the breeze from the lake and the view. If you're lucky, there are several benches up for grabs here. Two sculptures during this walk were particularly fitting. A boat themed one with a message of we're all in this together, and a boy reading with a mask on. The round trip of my walk was just under 4 miles. read more

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This is a great ~17 mile long trail that goes along the Cedar river that goes from Lake Washington all the was down to the watershed. Some portions are paved and very accessible while other areas are unpaved. I haven't been on the trial in it's entirety, but the areas I have been to are maintained nicely. Like many (if not all) of the trails in Washington, there's a variety of animals and scenery to enjoy and take in while you get some exercise in. There are also a few places along the way that have those "adult playgrounds," ...I mean exercise equipment...to further enhance your workout. There are actually playgrounds as well for the kiddos to enjoy! Well, once people decide to get with the program and keep their germs to themselves. Lots of open space, wear sunscreen! read more

Tldr is at the bottom. I biked this trail for the first time today. My trip started out beneath i405 and I initially headed north. I was hoping to map out the whole trail from north to south. I quickly discovered that although the trail goes north from beneath i405, bikes are in fact prohibited on it. So I turned around and started my trip south from beneath i405. As you start out on the trail, you'll initially noticed the dog park on the right. Tons of dogs were playing there today and I plan to return with my own doggo soon. Beyond the dog park you will enter into a beautiful shadowed forest with many waterfalls and the cedar river on your left side. Soon you'll see large pond on the right and sometimes you'll catch wildlife in there. Eventually you'll exit the forest section and find yourself following state route 169. This section is the least enjoyable and thankfully it ends quickly. You'll loop around to your right under 169 and be on the trail proper. After that, there are significantly less people and it is easy to get into a your biking groove. This trip felt great! The trail is well maintained. The road was mostly flat and the path was always easy to follow. I never had to guess where the next section was. I'll definitely be doing this trip regularly! Too long/didnt read: The trail from beneath i405 to the first gravel portion is about 10.98 miles heading south. On the southbound trip you'll be gaining about 348 feet in elevation. The trip felt very flat. There are a couple road crossings that can be ignored and a few that you must pause at. Don't become complacent. read more

Cedar River Trail - This is a map of the cedar river trail starting beneath i405 and heading south until the first gravel portion of the trail. - Mountain Biking Near Me - Renton, Washington

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A very nice walking trail fun for the whole family and your pups. I walked here on a Sunday with my sister, niece in a stroller, husband, and two dogs. The whole gang! We parked in front of the main building, field was a to the right and there was just one person on the field playing with their dog but it's a huge field, plenty of room for more people. The entrance to the walking trail can be accessed on either side behind the building and leads under a bridge, trail will be to your left and stretches for miles and miles. There was a bathroom at the start of the trail which was open to the public (thank goodness! It's so hard to find an open bathroom these days) and after walking for about a mile we found a picnic area with another open restroom. At the start of the trail you'll also find a dog park! Pretty big and muddy, they'd love it and there's even an obstacle course for your athletic pups. The picnic area was perfect. There are tables under a cover that are closed off but then there are also plenty of tables scattered along the grass so we had a small picnic there. Overall the trail is easy, a long wide straightway, great for running and walking. It wasn't too busy, distancing is definitely possible and there's plenty to do and see. read more

Unlike the Sammamish River Trail which keeps its country vibe the whole way through, the problem with this trail is that a good middle portion of it is along a highway with very little pretty to make up for it. Make no mistake, there are portions of this trail that are flat-out beautiful. Southbound, the first few miles take you from the foot of Lake Washington through a windy park past airfields where you perverts can see planes in various stages of undress... then past a kind-of-European brick pathway right alongside the river where you can imagine your unemployed boyfriend from Issaquah is instead an Italian man who ran up to you after noticing how bellissima you were from afar ... The final nice stretch of the Cedar River Trail has a rail trail vibe through light forest and steep cliffs, punctuated at the end by a trestle overlooking the river. But after that? Highway for miles that runs alongside, what, a regional park? A golf course? For hikers, there are some intimate views of the river & helpful pit-stops (Starbucks & Subway... then later on, a dive bar called the Red Dog Saloon), but there's not enough waterfront to justify the stretches of nothing highway. At times, I felt less like someone enjoying a weekend, and more like a AAA Roadside Assistance technician who forgot where his truck was parked. Also public transportation to/from this trail blows. Sammamish River or Burke Gilman all the way. read more

It's a difficult review because I really enjoy the ride! There are some beautiful spots during the trail as the Natural Area where is just 1 yes, ONE parking spot and it is almost unnoticeable! And I'm still not very sure it is but I just wanted to investigate that part ;) There is another parking lot where the pond is. I read some reviews about mugglers but took the risk and it was beautiful! No salmon there and freezing water but my dog was very excited still! I was very conscious about her not swimming because of the season ;) Then we went to the parking lot below the bridge. This one is the best. More people and more salmon so you can watch from the top of the bridges during your hike. It is paved and lit of people around. You can walk all the way from the Research Area to the I90 where it gets super noisy :( but still lovely to see salmon and the park. You can also enjoy the big dog park. It is great because there are always dog friends, water, and balls! read more

Cedar River Trail - Mountain Biking Near Me - Renton, Washington

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This fairly flat, popular, paved pathway is typical of area trails. It can get quite busy, especially in warmer weather because of the shade and river breeze that kisses you softly. The trailhead in Renton is pretty busy, so if you're not privileged enough to not drive here, you'll get to laugh at people looking for a parking spot. The nearby dog park adds to people going here but also keeps them rotating. Most of the trail follows fairly closely but there is no risk of flooding unlike further down stream. There is a small risk of rocks falling from above, but I've yet to witness anything like that. If you're looking for a spot to traverse Renton without needing to compete with vehicle traffic, this is your route. It will break off to take you north or south so you can get to your final destination, but I expect you will be considering whether or not going back to civilization is the right choice. I wish I was back on the trail again. read more

Cedar River Trail - Iconic cedar river, where the salmon roam. - Mountain Biking Near Me - Renton, Washington

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My fiance and I decided that we wanted to get out yesterday, but needed to find somewhere that was okay for our dog to come too. We wanted to go to Coulon, but they wanna be picky with their dog rules, so we ended up here! Cedar River has something for everyone. Even though you're not supposed to swim here, tons of people do. Lots of spaces to swim, lots of spaces to float the river, and lots of places to sit and have a picnic if that's your thing. Along the trail, there's also a good sized off leash dog park. We came primarily for the trails. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was little to no trash for the entire length of the trail that we walked. This trail is 17 miles long so I can't speak for all of it, but for the two miles or so that we did walk upon, it was clean and well-maintained. Another thing that's great about this place if you're coming to walk: TONS of big trees which means a lot of shade. Not only is this good for us, but it's good for our dog who can't walk on the hot blacktop because I'm terrified of him getting burnt. This will definitely be one of our new weekend spots. I can't wait to come here during the fall - I imagine it's gorgeous! read more

The Cedar River Trail is a rails-to-trails redevelopment of an old railroad bed that runs from Lake Washington in Renton, Washington (near the mouth of the Cedar River) to Maple Valley, where the trail becomes unpaved and turns into the Snoqualmie Valley Trail which goes on for miles. The CRT is paved and runs along the river for most of its length. Some of it is quite urban and you can walk right past coffee kiosks and underneath freeways. It's a great skate and bike path as well as of course walking path. There are many convenient spots to park your car along Maple Valley Highway (SR 169) so it's easy to plan a short walk or a long hike. read more

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Love this place. Love it more right after the rain. Choose whatever and you will enjoy. Walk, ride the bike, or just enjoy and rest on a bench. This is a blessed place. I love riding my Bike and end the ride here (Sometime start it here). Do not expect a tough trail, but do expect a nice relaxed walk surrounded by a lot of green. If you get lucky (No need to be very lucky) you will see some beautiful wild animals. read more

I loved this trail, it is beautiful, easy, and did I mention beautiful? I read a review that said it's a but shady in some areas but I still walked it with my husband and son. One day I parked by the bridge in Renton, not by the community center but a ways down more I ran for about an hour and when I returned my entire driver side window was gone. Yes, GONE. Somebody had smashed in my window and took everything out of my car. THEY EVEN TRIED TO STEAL MY SONS CAR SEAT. Once I noticed what had happened I called the police and then my bank, within five minutes someone had used my cards to buy over 200$ worth of gas. Are you kidding me. I know what happened wasn't the trails fault lol but seems like there are so many shady characters on this trail. Young kids who hangout by the water smoke, drink, and just start trouble. Used condoms in the parking lot and alot of workers who go there to eat lunch. It's just not safe. I will NEVER go on this trail again. Oh, and the crazy thing the man who helped me clear all the glass off my car was the man who broke into my car. (I didn't find that out until later) They need security or something, someone to clear out all the scum in the area. read more

This is a wonderful family place. Every time I come here there are families with their children rising bikes. The dog park is an off leash area that has ramps, toys and drinking water. The land for this park was donated by the city and the fence was built and donated by Mclennon in Renton. If you're going for exercise the entire walking path is paved and has plenty of space for a large group of people. The path goes for miles all along the river deep into Maple Valley. The river view is beautiful and there are little parks with bathrooms along the trail. This is in NO WAY a hike. It is just a perfect place for a stroll. read more

Since the weather has gotten nicer I frequent this trail every week. There are a lot of areas in where you can start this trail. For example; I either start at the Renton Stadium or behind the Renton Community Center, some people park along Maple Valley Highway. If you have pets, it's a great for them too because you can also stop by the dog park (which is huge by the way) located behind the community center. I suggest bringing your own water for your dogs , but there are doggy bags and garbages near the entrance and also along the trail going towards the Renton Stadiuim. Like Stacey Lynn mentioned it can go for miles, but I just stay within the Renton area. The nicest part of this trail is near the Senior Center living area where the it's paved with bricks and there are many benches you can rest at along that area. read more

This is one of the easiest trails I ride. It's fairly flat all the way through and you can get down to the end (gravel, horse trail) in a moderate amount of time. But be warned do not go in the middle of the day when it's hot out, there is a entire section of the trail that is completely open to the elements and it's on FIRE!! It makes for a good work-out, but you have to be prepared beforehand (plenty hyrdrated) Most of the trail is right along the highway, which makes it nice if your like me a single women riding alone read more

I've been out on this route twice. On a really hot sunny day it's nice to have some shade along the trail. The trail is VERY scenic. Start under the bridge and go 12 miles out, make a u-turn once you hit the gravel. I've biked both times. Not too crowded as other trails like Burke. Flat course all the way. I caught a deer sighting with its mother and baby. Easy bike ride for casual riders out there. Scenic, cool, and well paved. read more

What a lovely trail. I will admit that I don't walk as much as I should- but this trail is great. I wish they had a few more garbage bins for the dog poop- walking around with a warm bag of dog poop can really sour a romantic walk. Such a great trail- everyone is always super nice. read more

Plenty of room to run, walk bike, picnic, BBQ or play. Great trail, check it out for yourself. read more

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A great place for walking if you've got a stroller or other reason to need a fairly flat paved trail. Not very remote feeling with busy roads and residential areas, but still scenic and pleasant. Good for walking with kidsand seemed safe. read more

HUGE trail system. Well maintained and fairly flat. Great for biking, walking or running. Several small areas along the way to stop, with park benches, playgrounds, beautiful scenery, bridges, photo ops, etc. The whole trail is fairly flat. Paved and well maintained. read more

I am new to the area and was looking for a nice place to exercise walk that I would feel safe walking alone. I parked near the Renton Community Center. I had to ask someone how to get to the trail. They directed me to a walking bridge under the freeway (which is right there). There were places to park under the freeway right there so next time I will probably park there. I walked east for about 40 minutes and then turned around and came back. So this is the only part of the trail I am reviewing. The trail is paved with enough people on the trail to make you feel safe. There are people walking dogs, running and biking also. You are next to the river but you can't see it at all times from the trail while you are walking, I crossed one walking bridge over the water. Very beautiful area. I am happy I found my place to walk/exercise. Only one uncomfortable experience. There was a man on a bench bickering with someone I couldn't see. Maybe there are ghosts on this trail?? read more

I love this trail. We discovered it just miles from the house last weekend. The water is about knee deep, and the river runs for quite a few dozen miles south of Renton to Maple Valley, I believe. Now we gotta figure out where those darned kids start rafting down from the top of the river so we can copy them and have a grand ol' time tubing down the Cedar River on a lazy sunny weekend. read more

Nice trail, quiet and peaceful. The runners and bikers on the trail are usually respectful.

I love coming down here. I have lived in Renton for the better part of 7 years, and I am saddened that I am just now getting down here. People are very nice here, and know how to share the trail. Nobody seems to judge or laugh at you as you walk by, because we are all down there for a reason. The weather has been absolutely great for the trail as well. read more

Our favorite trail to bike. It's flat, wide and beautiful. It does follow the road in places but is next to the river with several parking lots along the highway. read more

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I read the reviews and it said that one end started at the Renton Community Center so we parked our cars there. We didn't know where the trail started, so we ended up walking on a trail right along side the river and ended up at a dead end We finally figured out where to go, and seen a actual parking lot that started/ended so now we know. It's beautiful! It wasn't a sunny day, but walking along side the river was nice. A lot of slugs! We didn't realize how many there was until we started walking back. It started to get boring when it came to where it was along side the street when all you hear are cars, so we ended up turning around. Other than that, nice trail & also nice people throughout, always saying good morning . We'll definitely be back again! read more

I love running this trail. It's nice and shady if you go east starting from the parking area under 405 (by the Renton Community Center). The scenery changes often and there's plenty of side trails to hike. Only downfall I can think of is that it doesn't feel safe once the sun starts to set. read more

I rode this trail starting from Riverview Park today, a Friday. Although the weather was great, I saw few people along the trail. It is in excellent condition and has an easy grade. Unfortunately, I was anticipating a scenic, quiet ride, but that's not what I got. I should have studied a map beforehand. Yes, the Cedar River is lovely, but there is a lot of foliage that blocks your view along the way, and most of the trail hugs the ever busy I-169, so I was subjected to highway noise for almost the entire ride. I found myself frequently fantasizing about the trail being laid along the other side of the river, away from traffic. However, if exercise is more important to you than quiet and scenery, or you could use this trail for a commute, then I would highly recommend it. There are several access points spread out along the trail where you can park for free. Note: I rode for 8 miles before turning back. Once I was out of Renton there were no more restrooms or water fountains on the trail. So if you're thinking of riding with little ones, you probably want to stick to the trail in Renton. Personally, I love the trails in Seattle. Most have beautiful water and mountain views and lots of interesting places to stop for a break. read more

This is a nice long trail where you can go for miles on end. Dogs are allowed. Bikes are allowed. Limited restrooms. I generally walk an hour out an hour back. Most people here understand trail etiquette to a high degree. Do be aware that there is a small handful of homeless people living in the area. Try to stay on the populated trails and you'll be fine. If you decide to go out of site just bring someone with you. When in doubt wait for some one to walk past the uneasy individual with. I would recommend this trail. Perhaps avoid after dark. read more