Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities. Learn more
Access Site IA

Winegar Access

West Fork Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

Sign in to Monitor
City: Brandon, IA
County: Benton County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.29548437, -92.05918302
7WWR+58 Brandon, IA, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
Get Directions
Nearby Gauge Conditions
West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, IA Same River 33.8 mi away
View Gauge
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 (46.8 mi to put-in) Palisades-Kepler State Park (PnP)
0.6 mi
II Upstream from here (31.3 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) 68 mi away Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:** Winegar Access is located in the Winegar Wildlife Area near Brandon in Benton County, Iowa, providing boat ramp access to the West Fork Cedar River. This access point is positioned just beyond the Black Hawk County line, making it a convenient next stop for paddlers and boaters continuing downstream from McFarlane Park in Black Hawk County.

**Facilities & Recreation:** The access area offers a boat ramp suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorized boats. In addition to water access, the Winegar Wildlife Area provides opportunities for fishing, hunting, bird watching, and hiking, making it a multi-use recreation destination. The site is well-suited for paddlers looking to access the West Fork Cedar River for day trips or longer paddles.

**Planning Your Visit:** Before heading out, check current river conditions and water levels, as these can significantly affect paddling difficulty and safety. The proximity to the county boundary makes this a strategic access point for planning river trips that transition between Black Hawk and Benton Counties.