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Access Site IA

Cedar River Area

West Fork Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

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City: Gilbertville, IA
County: Black Hawk County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.38557518, -92.21610296
9QPM+6H Gilbertville, IA, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, IA Same River 23.7 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
II Upstream from here (18.8 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) 57 mi away Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
III 59 mi away Palisades-Kepler State Park (PnP)
0.6 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Located in Gilbertville within Black Hawk County, this boat ramp provides access to the West Fork Cedar River, a recreational waterway suitable for beginners. The access point features a gravel boat ramp with both standard launch capability and a carry-down option, making it accessible for kayaks, canoes, and motorboats. The facility includes parking and is equipped with amenities for fishing and day-use activities.

The West Fork Cedar River offers good fishing opportunities, with surveys documenting healthy populations of walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and channel catfish. From this access point, paddlers can explore the next segment (4.1 miles to Washington Union access) through beginner-level recreational waters. The area also supports hunting, bird watching, and hiking, making it a versatile destination for outdoor recreation beyond paddling.