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

Exchange Park

West Fork Cedar River

Source: iowa_department_of_natural_resources Updated 1 year ago

Sign in to Monitor
City: Waterloo, IA
County: Black Hawk County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 42.50624994, -92.34826045
Riverside Skate Park, Touchae Park, 601, 999 Park Rd, Waterloo, IA 50703, USA
Air Temp: --
Location
Get Directions
Nearby Gauge Conditions
West Fork Cedar River at Finchford, IA Same River 13.1 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
II Upstream from here (6.8 mi from take-out) Clay Hole, Cedar Falls (PnP)
0.2 mi 12 ft/mi
II(III) Upstream from here (44.7 mi from take-out) Charles City Whitewater
0.3 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
III 71 mi away Palisades-Kepler State Park (PnP)
0.6 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Exchange Park in Waterloo offers a convenient public boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, and small motorboats onto the West Fork Cedar River. Located at the confluence of the Cedar River and West Fork Cedar River, this Black Hawk County access point (Access #179) serves as a beginner-friendly launch for recreational paddling. The next downriver access at Washington Union is 4.1 miles away, making this a good starting point for short day trips on calm water.

The facility includes ample amenities beyond the ramp itself: restrooms, parking, picnic tables, a water fountain, and picnic shelters. The surrounding park also features playground equipment, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a disc golf course, making it a good family destination. Before your visit, contact Black Hawk County or local authorities to confirm the ramp is open, as temporary closures can occur due to maintenance, weather, or special events.