Cedar,

Clay Hole, Cedar Falls (PnP)

Usual Difficulty	II (may vary with level)
Length	0.01 Miles
Avg. Gradient	12 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
Cedar River at Waterloo, IA
usgs-05464000	500 - 4300 cfs	II	17h32m	4040 cfs (rc= 0.9 )

River Description

This playspot is named after the "Clay Equipment Co." which was located next to the river years ago. The river bottom in this section is bedrock with some sand & gravel.


All of the Clay Hole features are created by an old "beautification" dam. It's intact on river left and broken out in the center, ("D" hole, which is where we do most of our playing). Everything from the center to river left is fun and safe. The only portion we've found to be nasty is in the "you're on your own area" - it's shallow, has many sharp rocks, a pinning spot (bridge pier), and one deep hole that WILL recirculate you. But, there are a few of us who venture in for a thashing every now and then. One can side surf out either end so it's not terminal.

We have removed all rebar, head-banging rocks and trash on river left out to the "D" hole. Stuff continues to get thrown or washed in or get exposed with high flows so pay attention. Flow in this pic is approx. 1800 cfs.

To Get There:
Find the intersection of Hwy 57 and Main Street in Cedar Falls, IA. Go across the river on Main Street and turn right onto Lincoln St. Proceed about 3 blocks to Greeley Street and turn right (by the bait shop). There will be a parking area next to the river just above the play hole.

For the non-playboater:
There is plenty of flatwater for rec boaters. In fact, after play, you can float a mile or so downstream to George Wyth State Park and take out right at your camp site. There are over 60 miles of surfaced bike trails with some single track dirt trails. Main St. has many cafes, bars, antique shops, bike shop, etc., so stay a while.