Cedar River, WA

Cedar River Slalom course

Cedar River Slalom course
Photo by Tom O'Keefe taken 17MAR2001

Gauge Information

River Description

EVENTS: The Cedar is the site of the annual Cedar River Slalom race typcially held in late March every year. For additional information see League of Northwest Whitewater Racers site.

ISSUES: Gravel remediation project at the slalom course site, access at the Upper Jones Rd. Bridge, and modification of the Landsburg diversion.

FUN FACT: Permanent slalom course.

SEASON: Best in winter and spring.

Access: To reach the Landsburg Bridge (upper put-in and site of slalom course) take exit 17 (for Front Street) off I-90 in Issaquah. Drive south on Front Street through the town of Issaquah. This road makes a couple name changes but just continue south 12.5 miles to the Landsburg Bridge across the river. On your way you will pass under Highway 18 and by the Hobart store/post office. For those who run the river, a takeout (or put-in for the lower section) is available at the Highway 169 bridge near the junction with Highway 18. This access comes 7.5 miles into the run. For those who wish to run the lower section (another 9 miles) there is a take-out on river right at Maplewood Roadside Park off Highway 169, about a mile east of the Highway 169/I-405 junction. Check the map for a couple bridges that provide additional access points.

DESCRIPTION:

The Cedar is the site of an annual slalom race (video footage) and a course that is maintained by local volunteers throughout most of the year. Area slalom paddlers can be found practicing here throughout the spring. For those who run the river, small boulders provide good eddies and ample opportunities for practice. Some sections pass through braided channels that can collect wood debris--use caution. As you approach Renton evidence of human impacts becomes more evident. This lower section is a bit easier in terms of whitewater and sometimes used by instructors working with beginners.

Note that the recent earthquake has resulted in significant channel modification and hazerdous boating conditions where the river has begun to cut a new channel. Additional information and photos can be found on King County's Cedar River Watershed site.