South Platte
07. Confluence Park (of South Platte with Cherry Creek)
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | South Platte River at Denver |
| Flow Rate as of 20 hours | 158 cfs |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 28, 2013 |
River Description
Confluence Park is the junction of Cherry Creek with the South Platte, about 1/2 way through Denver on the South Platte, right next to REI. There are about five features created specifically for boaters down the river-right side of a low head dam in a 50 yard, Class III rapid. Boat demos are sometimes held here. About 150 yards downstream, the remnants of an old bridge create a wave/hole that at most levels is better than the park upstream. If you go another couple hundred yards, there are a few more artificial rapids that do have some play in them, but are rarely run. For those who do, the South Platte River Trail runs along the river-right bank, and can be used as a walking-shuttle.
Wear good nose plugs for anything on this reach! A couple of waste plants and lots of storm drains empty into the river. (This leads to some folks calling this 'Effluence Park' rather than 'Confluence Park'. Legend has it that if you boat Confluence regularly you never get sick 'cause your immune system is like elite special forces!)
To Get There: Take the 23rd street exit east from 1-25. There is ample parking between Ocean Journey and REI, but only a dozen or so free spots. Other parking spots are available for the creative, there are a couple of different lots downstream on Platte Street(near Confluence Kayaks).
River Features
Put In - First Section of Rapids - Hep A and Hep B
End of Features in Confluence Park - Cherry Creek and South Platte
First Rubble Dam - Waymay Wave at 16th St. Bridge (Hep C)
Start of Second Series of Features - 19th St. Masterblaster (Hep D)
End of Second Series - First Take Out Option
One more rubble dam - The Trestle Wave
2nd and Last Take Out - Exit Bike Path - Trestle Wave
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI have been a Northside Denver resident for over 20 years. This section of the South Platte River became my backyard run after departure from Boulder. Yes, it is an urban river running. I grew up swimming in creeks in Philadelphia, yeah, I know that smell. On a hot Sunday afternoon, I met up with a boater that just moved here looking to get on some easy water. I was an avid boater for years, with a long break before this year. I just got a new Ducky and was jonesing to get it out. I had not been on moving water in a while. It was running at 750cfs, a solid fun level.
What people see trash in the eddies, crowds, and the occasional drifter making homestead on the banks. What they don’t see is the potential of what the South Platte can become. River projects from Globeville to Chatfield have significantly cleaned up the river and created new area access points for recreation. Union Chutes is now known for the River Run Park, the urban surf destination in Colorado. Besides the one nasty drop above Phil Milstein Park, this could be a great beginner run from Chatfield to City of Cuernavaca Park. The water is improving. We are catching trout now at REI. I believe in the trout!
We found free parking at Fishback Park. If you want to run a shuttle, you can park higher up near Mile High and there is free parking at City of Cuernavaca Park (take out). The first drop, a straightforward Class 3, is properly named Hep A and Hep B. You can surf here, practice micro-eddy catching and get out and do it again, again and again. The bottom hole is great for classic surfing with easy access and a good run out to get your roll.
Everything else is pretty much Class 2. At higher water, Class 2 plus. The 16h street Waymay Wave (Hep C) was much different when the old 16th viaduct bridge supports were still standing. Old locals told me stories of Hawaii 5-0 at 2000 cfs plus that formed there. A river wide wave glassy experience. Now with the new bridge, this changed of the river, the wave. The river left wave is still fun, with some wave trains perfect for wave wheels, a real six flags water feature. Here are some good park and play or river surfing opportunities. I surfed a SUP on this wave.
There is a break in the action then the 19th St. drops at the Denver Skate Park. The hole of significance is Masterblaster (Hep D). This section is a series of drops. The rock goal posts show you the line and lead you down the green water.
Another flat stretch, where the old slalom course was that leads you to the Trestle Wave. Under the Union Pacific RR bridge. It is a rowdy steep wave that has a tricky river right eddy entrance. Get in and hang on. It has a good run out if you flip. Watch out for Lime scooters in the river.
Most of the pictures are from the day we ran it. Two are from the past, with a boater on the water. Me in a Ducky (Hep A) and me in my playboat (Trestle). I hope that the river restoration work continues and opens more opportunities for all river users. The South Platte is a wonderful place that can extend a boating year with the right flows from the water gods.
Flood stage - GoPro view - feature under bridge