The region has been hit hard by dozens of atmospheric river events, causing devastating floods that wash debris into rivers.
KING COUNTY, Wash. — Mike James and his family love spending summers at Cedar River Park in Renton, but as they soaked up Thursday’s sunny afternoon, he couldn’t help but notice how much things had changed.
“I just can’t believe the destruction,” he said. “You can see the sand and sediment building up. You can see the ripple marks along the way. It’s crazy to watch the water rise.”
The park was one of many throughout western Washington to be affected last year. atmospheric rivers in december resulted in historic floods.
“It looks different than normal, which is scary,” James said.
A large tree log with its roots still attached washed under the Interstate 405 bridge and appears to be staying there for the foreseeable future.
Although swimming is not allowed in the park, people often fall into the water.
“It’s a very popular swimming beach with families,” James said. “I’ve seen people lie on an air mattress with a cooler and live their best life.”
It is also a popular spot for rafting and fishing.
That’s why King County officials Urges extra caution this summerwarned that December’s flooding reshaped local rivers in ways that are not always visible from the surface.
“We ended up with the most dangerous conditions we’ve had in a while,” said Tony Gomez, director of violence and injury prevention for the Seattle and King County Department of Public Health. “I’ve never seen so much woody debris at this end of the river.”
He said fast-moving water combined with so many hazards could create a life-threatening emergency, especially if someone is pinned against a large log.
“Essentially, the force of the river pushing is like trying to push a car away from a person,” Gomez said. “These can turn into tragedies very quickly.”
The county’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks said large logs, rocks and other debris were washed into rivers throughout the area, creating drowning risks that may not be visible.
High flows alter the river bed, creating additional risks in deeper or shallower areas.
They also warned that Lake Washington and Puget Sound remain dangerously cold despite rising temperatures.
Gomez urges people to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when participating in any water-related activities.
Drowning deaths in King County have remained high for the seventh consecutive year, with 25 preventable deaths recorded in 2025.
For more water safety resources visit kingcounty.gov/watersafety.
