The King County Sheriff’s Office has ordered a nine-mile-long stretch of the Cedar River between Maple Valley and Renton closed to all recreational use because of numerous hazardous logjams in the river.

The closure is effective immediately, and applies to all recreational use – including swimming, kayaks, rafts, pool toys and other floating devices.

The river closure begins approximately 1.5 miles below the state Route 18 crossing of the Cedar River (in the vicinity of Maple Valley Market) and extends through Ron Regis Park, covering river miles 4.5 through 13.5. The suggested take out is at Habenicht Park, 22124 Witte Rd. SE, Maple Valley, just south of the SR-169/SR-18 interchange.

Signs announcing the temporary boating closure have been put in place along the river, including popular river access locations upstream of the hazardous reach.

The Sheriff’s Office and employees with the Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks have identified several logjams and full spanning logs with substantial hazards.

The county previously warned about the logjams two months ago, but lower summertime flows have led to conditions that are just too dangerous to keep that stretch of the river open for recreation.

Options are being evaluated to take action where possible to reduce the hazard and improve safety.

Information about known boating hazards in King County is available at kingcounty.gov/recreation/boating/rivers. Sign up to receive notifications of river hazards.

Public Health – Seattle & King County recommends choosing safer swimming options with lifeguards present, such as a beach, lake or pool.

When floating or boating in rivers remember these basic tips:

• Always wear a lifejacket, regardless of your ability to swim;

• Avoid alcohol and drugs when recreating on the river;

• Watch children closely when they are on or near any type of water; stay close enough to reach them immediately;

• Always tell someone your route and when and where you expect to put in and take out;

• Have a back-up plan for emergency contact in case your trip is cut short by an unforeseen obstacle or emergency;

• Never float the river alone and, if possible, make sure there is at least one oared craft in your group in case a rescue is needed; and

• Bring a dry bag with food, water, warm clothes and sturdy footwear for hiking around danger areas.

-from a press release