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Access Site IA

Otis Road Access

Cedar River • Cedar River • Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Cedar Rapids, IA
County: Linn County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 41.96176290, -91.63977801
X966+P3, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, IA Same River 1.6 mi away
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Cedar River below Indian Creek at Cedar Rapids, IA Same River 3.2 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 (10.0 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 68 mi away Clay Hole, Cedar Falls (PnP)
0.2 mi 12 ft/mi
II(III) 104 mi away Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Located at 5300 Otis Road SE in Cedar Rapids, this access point offers a modern boat ramp for convenient entry to the Cedar River. The site is situated near Palisades-Kepler State Park, providing scenic views and nearby trails for those looking to explore the area before or after paddling. The location is easily accessible from downtown Cedar Rapids and serves as a popular launch point for kayakers and canoeists.

**Important Note:** Otis Road SE experiences periodic closures during high water and flood conditions, typically between the Cargill south entrance and Prairie Park Fishery entrance. Before planning your trip, check current conditions and road status, as closures may last several days until river levels recede safely. When conditions permit, this access provides good launching opportunities for paddlers looking to explore the Cedar River corridor in the Cedar Rapids area.