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Access Site IA

Island Park

West Fork Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Cedar Falls, IA
County: Black Hawk County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.54360682, -92.45349832
650 Center St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, IA Same River 7.5 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Cedar River
3 runs (2 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II Put-in at this location Clay Hole, Cedar Falls (PnP)
0.2 mi 12 ft/mi
II(III) Upstream from here (39.1 mi from take-out) Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
III 79 mi away Palisades-Kepler State Park (PnP)
0.6 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Island Park in Cedar Falls offers a convenient urban put-in for kayakers and canoeists on the West Fork Cedar River. The site features a boat ramp with a short trail providing direct access to the river, making it an ideal starting point for paddlers of varying skill levels. The 14-acre park itself is worth exploring, with an island and lagoon that provide scenic wildlife viewing opportunities—beaver are frequently spotted in the back channel during dusk hours.

This access point is well-suited for day trips and casual paddling, with parking available and nearby amenities. Whether you're launching a kayak, canoe, or small motorized boat, Island Park serves as a reliable gateway to the West Fork Cedar River's paddling opportunities in the Black Hawk County area.
Amenities
restrooms