🐟Renton is home to the beautiful Cedar River- a natural wonder that offers stunning views from the trail and refreshing swimming spots in summer. But did you know? The Cedar River isn’t just beautiful—it’s a lifeline for Pacific salmon making their epic journey home. Each fall, thousands of salmon return here to spawn, keeping this river and our ecosystem thriving. 🐟
Thousands of Pacific salmon travel the Cedar River to return to local watersheds to produce the next generation of fish. This process is key to keeping salmon populations thriving! Salmon are a PNW icon, playing a vital role in our economy and ecosystem. These amazing creatures are also critical to the health and well-being of Coast Salish peoples, who stewarded these lands and waters for generations and continue to do so today.
Renton has long been a place of gathering to watch and learn about the salmon. This fall, make time to witness the salmon run—you’ll see why it’s a tradition that brings our whole community together.
🐟 Best Salmon Viewing Spots in Renton
- 📍 Renton Downtown Library
One of the only libraries in the U.S. built directly over a river! Enjoy views from above, or head down below for a closer look at salmon in action. - 📍 Cedar River Park
Here you can see the weir, a special fish trap used to help guide salmon to the hatchery—a great spot to witness their journey up close.
Want to share in the salmon excitement? Here are ways to join in this October:
- 📅 Every weekend in October, thanks to the Seattle aquarium, you can join naturalists along the Cedar River to witness the salmon run up close and learn about their incredible lifecycle.
- 🎃 Spooky Science & Fish-or-Treat | Oct. 25 at Liberty Park
- Salmon Ecology Tour | Oct 17th at the Renton Library, downtown
- Salmon Story Adventure | Oct 23rd at the Renton Library, downtown
- Salmon Trivia Night | Oct 29th at the Renton Library, downtown
The biggest celebration of the season- the Cedar River Salmon festival! On October 11th from 10 AM to noon, join the community to learn all about Salmon. Observe migrating salmon, become a salmon scientist, create family fun, and learn more about how you can help salmon. This family-friendly festival will be held at the Environmental Science Center Renton office inside Liberty Park behind the Renton Library.
