Cedar River Trail from Maple Valley to Landsburg

Hike Length: 10 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal
Hike Difficulty: moderate
Map: King County Bicycling Guidemap
hike overview map


Build on an abandoned rail line, the Cedar River Trail is a fine addition to King County’s recreational trail system. Much of the trail parallels the Maple Valley Highway, making for poor walking experience. However, the five mile section from Maple Valley to Landsburg leaves the noisy vicinity of the highway and follows a curving course through a woodsy river valley. The main highlight of the trail is the Cedar River itself, here a clear, fast-moving mountain stream. The river supports major salmon runs, and in season the waters are filled with the huge, bright orange fish. The trail crosses the river on four large steel bridges, scenic spots to view the river and its salmon. Near Landsburg, the trail passes through wild, wooded River Bend Park, a delightful spot to take a break.

Getting there:

From downtown Seattle, catch the M 101 bus in the Bus Tunnel and ride it to the Downtown Renton Transit Center. Transfer to Bus M 149 at the transit center, which has been nicely renovated recently. This bus has a sparse schedule, so plan you arrival at Renton careful to avoid a long wait.

When the M 149 bus passes under the Highway 18 overpass in Maple Valley, get off at the next stop, located near a Shell gas station [GPS N 47 deg 24 min 26 sec, W 122 deg 02 min, 18 sec].

Cross the highway at the stoplight at the intersection with 216th St., and follow 216th a short distance to a bridge spanning the gravel-surfaced Cedar River trail, which here cuts through the hill in a ten foot deep trench. Unfortunately, no sign indicates that this is the trail. A short, steep path at the far end of the bridge drops down to the trail.

There is no weekend service on the M 149 bus.

The Hike:

From 216th St., head south on the Cedar River trail, which soon crosses the Cedar River on a large bridge. You’re hiking on the abandoned right-of-way of the Milwaukee Railroad. The gravel surface of the trail makes for great walking, much preferable to the all-too-common pavement on many multi-use trails. Beyond the bridge, the trail makes a long curve east, gradually leaving the noisy environs of the Maple Valley Highway. After a half mile, the trail reaches a signed intersection with the Lake Wilderness Trail, which is yet another “Rails to Trails” conversion project. Lake Wilderness Park is about three miles away, a possible alternate destination.

As you proceed along the trail, the scenery gradually becomes more wooded and rural-feeling. A second bridge is crossed about a mile from Maple Valley and a third bridge at the two mile mark. When you cross the bridges, be sure to look down into the water--you might see the bright red backs of migrating salmon. The fourth river bridge at the four mile point brings you to the undeveloped, heavily wooded River Bend Park, which occupies a point of land formed by a sharp curve in the river. Good trails branching right off the Cedar River trail invite exploration of the park, where you will find some nice riverside beaches perfect for picnics.

The Cedar River trail cuts through the peninsula forming River Bend park in an impressive 100 foot deep trench. From the east edge of the park, it’s another mile to the end of the trail at Landsburg.

When you reach trail’s end, or if you simply get tired, just return the way you came back to Maple Valley. Hopefully, the City of Seattle will eventually allow use of the old railroad right of way upstream from Landsburg, which traverses the city’s protected watershed lands. Such a move would open up many more miles of great hiking, and connections to Rattlesnake Lake and the Iron Horse Trail.


Getting Back

The M 149 bus has a sparse schedule, so to avoid a long, boring wait by the edge of the highway, you will have to pay attention to the time you arrive back at Maple Valley . The bus stop is located on the Maple Valley Highway, between the 216th St. intersection and the Highway 18 overpass.

Ride the M 149 bus back to the Downtown Renton Transit Center. To get to downtown Seattle, catch the M 101 bus. 

Rev 02.06.06