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Access Site IA

North Cedar Natural Area

West Fork Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Center Point, IA
County: Linn County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.15840443, -91.80260574
3410 Cedar Heights Trail, Center Point, IA 2378917, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Cedar River at Blairs Ferry Road at Palo, IA Same River 6.2 mi away
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Cedar River at Edgewood Road at Cedar Rapids, IA Same River 11.3 mi away
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Cedar River at Vinton, IA Same River 11.4 mi away
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Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Cedar River
3 runs (1 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
III Downstream from here (27.0 mi to put-in) Palisades-Kepler State Park (PnP)
0.6 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
II 51 mi away Clay Hole, Cedar Falls (PnP)
0.2 mi 12 ft/mi
II(III) 87 mi away Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:** North Cedar Natural Area is a boat ramp access point located in Center Point, Linn County, Iowa, providing entry to the West Fork Cedar River. The site is situated at the confluence area where the West Fork joins the main Cedar River system. This is a beginner-friendly access point with a standard boat ramp suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and small to medium-sized motorboats.

**What to Expect:** The next paddling segment downstream is classified as recreational with beginner skill level requirements, making this an excellent starting point for novice paddlers. The distance to the next access point is approximately 4.1 miles. The site offers basic amenities typical of county access areas. Paddlers should plan accordingly for the relatively short distance between access points and be aware that the river confluence area may have varying water conditions depending on seasonal flow.

**Recreation Opportunities:** The West Fork Cedar River corridor supports fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. This access point serves as a gateway to the scenic bottomland environment characteristic of Iowa's river valleys, making it suitable for day trips and multi-segment paddling adventures through the region.