Cedar River — Palo to Cedar Rapids: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Cedar River · Flatwater · Iowa
Warning
Dangerous — do not paddle
Flows are dangerously high. Do not paddle this section. Come back when the river drops.
USGS gauge 05464500 · updated Jul 9, 8:00 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Flatwater
- Length
- 14 mi
- Float time
- ~5 hr
- Best months
- April–October
- Put-in
- Palo
- Take-out
- Cedar Rapids
Reading USGS gauge 05464500 — Cedar River at Cedar Rapids, IA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Cedar River — Palo to Cedar Rapids?
This section is generally runnable at 500–8,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Cedar River levels?
We read USGS gauge 05464500 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Cedar River — Palo to Cedar Rapids good for beginners?
This is a flatwater section — no rapids under normal levels — so it's beginner-friendly when the gauge is in range. High water changes everything: cold, fast water is dangerous for anyone.
When is the best time to paddle Cedar River here?
Typically April–October, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Cedar River — Palo to Cedar Rapids?
This reach is about 14 miles, roughly 5 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.