Renton's topography is a distinct mix of flat river valleys and steep residential hills. The downtown core, the industrial sectors (including the Boeing plant), and the newer retail developments like The Landing sit on the relatively flat flood plain of the Cedar River and the low shoreline of Lake Washington.
Moving away from the city center, the terrain rises sharply. Renton is defined by several prominent hills and plateaus, including Renton Hill, Talbot Hill, Benson Hill, and the East Plateau (often referred to as the Renton Highlands). Elevations range from roughly 14 feet near the lake to over 400 feet in the residential uplands, providing many homes with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington, and the Seattle skyline.