Cedar
Gateway River Park, Cedar Falls (PnP)
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 0.33 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 12 fpm |
| Gauge | Cedar River at Cedar Falls, Ia |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 4010 cfsmedium runnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | February 6, 2026 |
River Description
Prairie Rapids Paddlers welcomes you to Iowa's newest river park. Located on the Cedar River in Cedar Falls Iowa, this river park boasts 8 in-water features for multiple watercraft users: surfers, kayakers, boogie boarders, tubes, swimmers, etc. The features were built in fall/winter 2024/2025 at the former site of Clay Hole, the genesis of playboating in Iowa back in circa 2000. A huge thanks to Prairie Rapids Paddlers who are integral champions of this community amenity.
The in-river features offer a splendid introduction to moving water and whitewater conditions with various waves and holes. Precisely placed rocks create splat opportunities and eddys for access and skill practice. There is also an homage to Clay Hole located in the center of the river. River levels vary with rain and snowfall throughout the season so keep an eye on the weather and river gauge. The features and play vary with levels from as low as 1300 cfs (Clay Hole) to 13,000 cfs. Check out the feature descriptions below for more info.
The river side amenities feature beautiful rock landscaping which creates natural seating areas to take in the Cedar River views. The ADA accessible path allows access for all. Be sure to check out Turtle Back landing too! The surrounding park area has a shelter, restrooms, ball courts and playground. Downtown Cedar Falls is also just a short walk from the river. Cup Of Joe is a local favorite!
Information verified by: Ty Graham, River Specialist with Riverwise Engineering.
River Features
Bronco
This is the first feature on the north side of the river. This one comes in from approximately 6000-13,000 cfs. It's a rowdy, foamy ride at the upper flow range and the river is really moving through here!
Waterheater
Waterheater: This feature is on the south side of the river. Flow range for this one is approximately 6000-10,000 cfs. While the river is up and moving at this level, this feature is accessible and is a fun place to gain some skillz. It's a foamy wave-ish hole.
An additional feature below Waterheater on the south side of the river is a great place for families to gather and get their toes wet.
Prairie Rapids
This 3 feature structure is located on the north side of the river at the bottom on the in-river park.
From river right, the features are: Alpha, Bravo, Charley. The bonus feature here is the homage to Clay Hole in river center.
Alpha: Play is approximately 2000-5500 cfs. This foamy wave-ish feature has eddy access from either side. For playboaters: front, back, side surfing and flat spins for days. Behind the feature is plenty deep for sinking ends. The eddylines are great for slice-boating. A bonus on river right below the feature is Hannah's Splat Rock! This perfectly positioned rock is perfect for getting your boat vertical. Surfers: ride boogie style or standing. High volume boards and stub fins work well. This is a great intro to river surfing spot.
Bravo: Play is approximately 2500-6500 cfs. A foamy wave-ish features with eddy access from both sides. Flat spins and all manner of surfing for playboaters. Eddy lines below Bravo are deep enough for slice boat play. Foamy riding for board riders, prone or standing. When flows are up skate style board entry too. At the higher end range of this the higher the skill needed to catch the eddy!
Charlie: Play is approximately 3000-6500 cfs. A foamy wave-ish feature that gives up surfs and spins for playboaters. Surfers can ride prone or stand up. Eddy access from both sides and eddylines below the feature are deep enough for slice boat play. At the higher end range of this the higher the skill needed to catch the eddy!
Clay Hole: This feature has been resurrected and eddy access improved with the placement of a large mid-river boulder. Play levels here vary from approximately 2200-4500 cfs. It's a mix of a foamy hole and wave side by side. Playboaters can surf and throw ends. Surfers can carve around on the wavy portion. Wide enough for party surfs too. At the higher end of this range
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportLow water, but first to experience the new River Park.
The Gateway Park venue is now open for activities. A great addition to Iowa's whitewater play parks. Current river flow guidance is listed in the description and paddlers are accumulating additional data. More trip reports to follow in the summer of 2026.
Waterheater at 9100cfs