Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area

Share Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area on Facebook Share Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area on Twitter Share Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area on Linkedin Email Explore + Restore: Cedar River Natural Area link


In partnership with Facet Landscape Architects and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department is exploring ways to restore and reimagine the Cedar River Natural Area as a welcoming, active, and ecologically resilient space that serves the entire community.

We’re Moving into the Next Project Phase

The Cedar River Natural Area Trails and Forest Restoration project is getting ready for its next phase: moving the project forward from early ideas into more detailed planning, design, and permitting.

Project Update Key Takeways:

  • The project is moving into design, focusing on restoring existing forest trails and improving safety and access
  • Community input highlighted priorities like safety, nature protection, walking and mountain biking trails, and balanced recreation options
  • Future plans will focus on habitat restoration, better connections, and inclusive trail experiences for all skill levels
  • Work completed so far includes site analysis, community events and surveys, and development of an early concept design plan — view the full Park Programming Analysis for more detail
  • City Council will consider funding approval on April 13th through the Finance Committee and full Council
  • Another engagement event is being planned—please subscribe to this page to stay informed and get involved

Project Goals

  • Reconnect people with the forest through mountain biking and multi-use trails
  • Create an all-level bike skills course for inclusive outdoor play
  • Restore and enhance natural habitats
  • Improve safety and reduce illegal activity
  • Promote recreation that welcomes the entire Renton community

Stay Involved

Subscribe to this page to receive updates about upcoming events, surveys, and the project’s next steps.



In partnership with Facet Landscape Architects and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department is exploring ways to restore and reimagine the Cedar River Natural Area as a welcoming, active, and ecologically resilient space that serves the entire community.

We’re Moving into the Next Project Phase

The Cedar River Natural Area Trails and Forest Restoration project is getting ready for its next phase: moving the project forward from early ideas into more detailed planning, design, and permitting.

Project Update Key Takeways:

  • The project is moving into design, focusing on restoring existing forest trails and improving safety and access
  • Community input highlighted priorities like safety, nature protection, walking and mountain biking trails, and balanced recreation options
  • Future plans will focus on habitat restoration, better connections, and inclusive trail experiences for all skill levels
  • Work completed so far includes site analysis, community events and surveys, and development of an early concept design plan — view the full Park Programming Analysis for more detail
  • City Council will consider funding approval on April 13th through the Finance Committee and full Council
  • Another engagement event is being planned—please subscribe to this page to stay informed and get involved

Project Goals

  • Reconnect people with the forest through mountain biking and multi-use trails
  • Create an all-level bike skills course for inclusive outdoor play
  • Restore and enhance natural habitats
  • Improve safety and reduce illegal activity
  • Promote recreation that welcomes the entire Renton community

Stay Involved

Subscribe to this page to receive updates about upcoming events, surveys, and the project’s next steps.


  • Project Update

    Share Project Update on Facebook Share Project Update on Twitter Share Project Update on Linkedin Email Project Update link

    Project Update

    The Cedar River Natural Area Trails and Forest Restoration project is getting ready for its next phase: moving the project forward from early ideas into more detailed planning, design, and permitting.

    In summer 2025, the project team completed site analysis and community engagement to better understand how the space is used today and what improvements matter most to the community. Please see the full Park Programming Analysis for more detail.

    This early work confirmed that the area includes a mix of forested habitat, wetlands, streams, and steep slopes, along with some previously disturbed areas near the Cedar River Trail and dog park. From the community we heard the need to improve safety, protect the natural environment, expand walking and nature-based experiences, and thoughtfully add mountain biking opportunities. Many community members also expressed interest in better trail connections, basic amenities, and opportunities to stay involved over time.

    Looking ahead, the project will explore a connected system of trails and features that support a range of recreation experiences while maintaining the natural character of the site. Design will also incorporate habitat features and restoration strategies to support local wildlife and long-term environmental health. The consultant team will continue refining concepts, completing environmental review and field studies, and preparing plans to support permitting and future construction.

    Before this work can advance, the City Council will consider approval of funding for this next phase. The proposal will be reviewed by the Council Finance Committee and full Council on April 13, 2026.

    Project Update

    The Cedar River Natural Area Trails and Forest Restoration project is getting ready for its next phase: moving the project forward from early ideas into more detailed planning, design, and permitting.

    In summer 2025, the project team completed site analysis and community engagement to better understand how the space is used today and what improvements matter most to the community. Please see the full Park Programming Analysis for more detail.

    This early work confirmed that the area includes a mix of forested habitat, wetlands, streams, and steep slopes, along with some previously disturbed areas near the Cedar River Trail and dog park. From the community we heard the need to improve safety, protect the natural environment, expand walking and nature-based experiences, and thoughtfully add mountain biking opportunities. Many community members also expressed interest in better trail connections, basic amenities, and opportunities to stay involved over time.

    Looking ahead, the project will explore a connected system of trails and features that support a range of recreation experiences while maintaining the natural character of the site. Design will also incorporate habitat features and restoration strategies to support local wildlife and long-term environmental health. The consultant team will continue refining concepts, completing environmental review and field studies, and preparing plans to support permitting and future construction.

    Before this work can advance, the City Council will consider approval of funding for this next phase. The proposal will be reviewed by the Council Finance Committee and full Council on April 13, 2026.

  • Cedar River Natural Area Concept - Ready for your Input!

    Share Cedar River Natural Area Concept - Ready for your Input! on Facebook Share Cedar River Natural Area Concept - Ready for your Input! on Twitter Share Cedar River Natural Area Concept - Ready for your Input! on Linkedin Email Cedar River Natural Area Concept - Ready for your Input! link

    Renton Parks is excited to share an early look at a new concept for the Cedar River Natural Area (CRNA) - a project that imagines this unique space as a place where community recreation and ecological restoration come together.


    Recreate + Connect

    The concept plan (PDF version here) envisions trail-based recreation, including mountain biking, hiking, and trail running, supported by key amenities like restrooms, parking, and gathering areas. A network of progressive trails will offer experiences for all skill levels, from beginner flow zones and skills areas to challenging hillside routes. Connector trails will link nearby neighborhoods and the Cedar River Trail for improved access and mobility.


    Restore + Revitalize

    Some areas of the CRNA are ready for forest and habitat restoration. Removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and cleaning up debris will enhance biodiversity, protect stream health, and create a more vibrant, resilient natural landscape.

    This early concept is the first step toward shaping the CRNA’s future. Come chat with the project team at our Engagement Events this week to learn more or provide your feedback through our online survey.



    Renton Parks is excited to share an early look at a new concept for the Cedar River Natural Area (CRNA) - a project that imagines this unique space as a place where community recreation and ecological restoration come together.


    Recreate + Connect

    The concept plan (PDF version here) envisions trail-based recreation, including mountain biking, hiking, and trail running, supported by key amenities like restrooms, parking, and gathering areas. A network of progressive trails will offer experiences for all skill levels, from beginner flow zones and skills areas to challenging hillside routes. Connector trails will link nearby neighborhoods and the Cedar River Trail for improved access and mobility.


    Restore + Revitalize

    Some areas of the CRNA are ready for forest and habitat restoration. Removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and cleaning up debris will enhance biodiversity, protect stream health, and create a more vibrant, resilient natural landscape.

    This early concept is the first step toward shaping the CRNA’s future. Come chat with the project team at our Engagement Events this week to learn more or provide your feedback through our online survey.



  • Project Hopes

    Share Project Hopes on Facebook Share Project Hopes on Twitter Share Project Hopes on Linkedin Email Project Hopes link

Page last updated: 06 Apr 2026, 09:33 AM