Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area

The 44-acre Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area is located just east of Renton on the Cedar River. Cavanaugh Pond is the only Class 1 wetland in the Cedar River Valley, meaning that it is of the highest quality of wetland ecosystems. There are stands of alder and cottonwoods on site, and current restoration projects are working to control invasive vegetation and establish native forest. Cavanaugh Pond supports spawning sockeye salmon in the fall and provides year-round habitat for other fish and wildlife species.

There is no parking at the site; the location on the north side of the Cedar River Trail allows easy pedestrian access from the trail. Cavanaugh Pond is used primarily for walking and nature observation, which is best accessed on the1/3-mile gated gravel road leading from 174th along Cavanaugh Pond to the river.

Access:

No parking at site. Pedestrian access from the Cedar River Trail or SR 169/Renton-Maple Valley Road at 174th Avenue SE (Riverbend Mobile Home Park entrance). All the parking at 174th belongs to the mobile home park.

Sign and gated entrance to Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area are west of the mobile home park parking lot

Acreage:

44 acres

Use:

walking, nature
observation, bicycle
(on 1/3 mile-long gravel
road only)