Summer is here, and Renton is the perfect destination for water activities. With the Cedar River leading into Lake Washington, residents and visitors can enjoy swimming, floating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and even renting a jet ski.
Swimming Spots
Some of the finest swimming spots are along the Cedar River, which stretches nearly 20 miles inland. The Cedar River Trail is a guide to find the best spots. However, it’s essential to note that the river has changed dramatically since the December 2025 floods, with ripped-out trees, loose sediment, and shifted riverbeds in some parts.
Parking can be tricky, but there are different parks and spaces along the river that offer spots, such as the Cedar River Trailhead near SE 216TH Pl. in Maple Valley, spaces along westbound SR-169 leading into Renton, Ron Regis Park, Maplewood Roadside Park, Riverview Park, Cedar River Park, Liberty Park, and Cedar River Trail Park.
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park is also a popular destination for swimming, but remember that there are no lifeguards on duty. It’s crucial to check the bacteria levels for local lake beaches at kingcounty.gov.
Other Water Activities
If fresh lake or river water is not your thing, consider visiting the Henry Moses Aquatic Center at 1719 Maple Valley Hwy. The City of Renton offers a lap pool, lazy river, wave pool, water slides, water walking, exercise classes, and more.
For those who wish to explore and recreate in the waters of south Lake Washington, there are plenty of opportunities. The Renton Rowing Center, located at 1060 Nishiwaki Lane, offers hourly rentals for single kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and tandem kayaks. Reservations are open now at rentonrowingcenter.org/rentals.
The Dockside Market, located at 1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N., also offers hourly rentals for stand-up paddleboards, single kayaks, and tandem kayaks. They also offer lake apparel and other essentials to keep you out on the water as long as you would like.
Ohana Kai Watersports offers boat and jet ski rentals right on the lake. Located at 1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Ohana Kai has specific requirements for hourly rentals, which can be found at southport.ohanakaiwatersports.com.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
