Bicycling the Cedar River Trail
June 11, 2005
For a while now, we've had a copy of King County's very cool Bicycling Guide Map. Perusing it one evening, we were drawn to several trails in south King County. So we decided to try one out--the Cedar River Trail, which follows the Cedar--perhaps the county's most important river--from its mouth at the south end of Lake Washington to Maple Valley and beyond.
We started in Renton, at a large park and community-center complex just off I-405. Heading southeast, we followed the paved trail (which is in excellent condition and is very lightly used) most of the way to Maple Valley. Some sections of the trail are lovely, while others are too close to the highway to be very enjoyable. But there are some lovely views of the river along the way. We were lucky enough to spot both a kingfisher and an American goldfinch along the way.
On our return journey, we ventured out to Lake Washington, which passes beside the Renton Boeing plant and ends at a kayak-canoe rental shop and fishing dock on the lake. At the mouth of the Cedar we saw a pair of osprey and dozens of Caspian terns, a bird that makes the oddest sound--almost like a cat yowling.
I'd never spent much (read: any) time in Renton before, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality of parks and green spaces along the Cedar River. Also an interesting-looking downtown.
Jill pauses for a break.
The Cedar River alongside the trail.
The old iron rail trestle that now supports the bike path.
The hazards of biking amidst the industrial activity of the Renton Boeing plant.
An unusual sight along a green bike path.
[ Print This Page ] [ Email This Page ]