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Access Site IA

Wildcat Bluff

West Fork Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Vinton, IA
County: Benton County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.19038168, -91.88270434
5713 31st Ave Trail, Vinton, IA 52349, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, IA Same River 45.4 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
III Downstream from here (32.7 mi to put-in) Palisades-Kepler State Park (PnP)
0.6 mi
II Upstream from here (45.4 mi from take-out) Clay Hole, Cedar Falls (PnP)
0.2 mi 12 ft/mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
II(III) 81 mi away Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Facilities**
Wildcat Bluff provides boat and kayak access to the West Fork Cedar River in Vinton, Benton County, Iowa. The site is part of the larger Wildcat Bluff Recreation Area, which spans 131 acres and offers a full range of amenities including a boat ramp, dedicated kayak launch, picnic areas with grilling facilities, enclosed and open-air shelters, and shower house facilities. This makes it a well-developed access point suitable for day trips or longer outings.

**What to Expect**
The West Fork Cedar River is a medium-sized waterway popular with both paddlers and anglers. The recreation area's timber setting provides scenic surroundings for canoeing and kayaking. With multiple launch options (both boat ramp and kayak-specific access), the site accommodates various watercraft types. The availability of picnic facilities and shelter structures makes this a good choice for group outings or families planning to spend time on or near the water.