Every Friday for the next three weeks we will be providing ideas for how YOU can  #OptOutside in King County. Instead of rushing for the deal and bargains on Black Friday, go enjoy the beauty of the PNW! Opting Outside doesn’t necessarily mean you have to summit Rainier or hike the Enchantments – there are options right here in Your Big Backyard!

The Cedar River Trail is gorgeous in the fall and is a great family friendly opportunity to opt outside!

The Cedar River Trail follows the Cedar River from where it enters Lake Washington in the City of Renton upriver to the community of Landsburg at the boundary of the City of Seattle’s Cedar River Watershed. At 17.3 miles in length the CRT is a paved, off-road trail for the first 12.3 miles, and features a soft surface for the last five miles.

The trail follows a historic railroad route between the river and State Route 169, and passes through or near Renton, Maplewood, Cedar Mountain, Maple Valley, and Rock Creek. It offers views and access to Lake Washington, downtown Renton, Cedar River Park, Maplewood Golf Course, Ron Regis Park, Cedar Grove Park, and Maple Valley.

The CRT also provides excellent views and access to the Cedar River along its length. Between Renton and Maple Valley the CRT is popular with bicyclists and skaters and provides both recreational and non-motorized commuting opportunities. At Maple Valley the trail intersects the Green-To-Cedar Rivers Trail, which runs through central Maple Valley, then continues to the more secluded Rock Creek area and onto Landsburg in a wooded river valley. This soft-surface segment is popular with off-road bicyclists, joggers, walkers and equestrians. Parking is provided at both ends of the trail, and at numerous locations along its length.

Length: 17.3 miles. Surface – Paved and soft-surface

Use: All non-motorized uses. Access to equestrians is restricted within Renton City limits.

Access: Parking is available at Nishiwaki Lane at lake Washington, along the trail immediately adjacent to State Route 169, and at Landsburg.

Accessibility: Paved portions (such as at Liberty Park) are ADA accessible; unpaved sections are not. Disability access at Liberty Park.