Kayaking & Canoeing the Big Cedar Creek
Iowa paddling guide
- 42 mi
- River mapped
- 5
- Boat launches
- 0
- Campgrounds
- 2
- Counties
The Big Cedar Creek is one of Iowa's paddling rivers, tracing roughly 42 mi, winding through Henry and Jefferson Counties. This guide maps 5 public boat launches and access points on the Big Cedar Creek, plus the live USGS gauge readings you need to plan a safe day kayaking, canoeing or tubing in Iowa.
A popular way to paddle the Big Cedar Creek is to put in at Agency Rd Access and take out at Kale Blvd Access — check the live gauge first and always leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out.
Boat launches & access points on the Big Cedar Creek
5 public access points for putting in and taking out.
- ▸Agency Rd AccessHenry Co.
- ▸Gibson Recreation Area AccessHenry Co.
- ▸Kale Blvd AccessJefferson Co.
- ▸Round Prairie Park AccessJefferson Co.
- ▸Turkey-Run AccessJefferson Co.
Live Big Cedar Creek conditions
Big Cedar Creek: 78 cfs, 3.0 ft — runnable.
Yes — right now the Big Cedar Creek is runnable at 78 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:30 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
Typically runnable between about 5 and 520 cfs. Treat readings above 520 cfs as dangerous high water and below 5 cfs as too low to float. Provisional paddling band — always scout on site.
Source: USGS Cedar Creek near Oakland Mills, IA, updated Jul 25, 2026, 7:30 AM CT. Live readings are provisional — always confirm on the map before launching.
River levels change fast. Check the live USGS gauges, weather radar and flood-safety status for the Big Cedar Creek on the interactive Iowa Paddle map. It flags dangerous high water and dams so you can paddle safely.
Big Cedar Creek paddling FAQ
- Is the Big Cedar Creek safe to paddle right now?
- Yes — right now the Big Cedar Creek is runnable at 78 cfs (as of Jul 25, 2026, 7:30 AM CT), within its normal paddling range. Iowa rivers rise fast after heavy rain, so always check the live USGS gauge and skip the river when it reads high or is flagged for flooding.
- Where can I put in and take out on the Big Cedar Creek?
- A popular run is from Agency Rd Access to Kale Blvd Access. In all, the Big Cedar Creek has 5 mapped public boat launches — leave a shuttle vehicle at your take-out and confirm access before you go.
- How long is the Big Cedar Creek?
- About 42 mi of the Big Cedar Creek is mapped for paddling across 2 Iowa counties, with 5 access points to build shorter day trips.
- Do I need a permit to kayak or canoe the Big Cedar Creek?
- No permit is required to paddle Iowa's rivers. Non-motorized kayaks and canoes don't need registration; just wear a life vest, check the live USGS gauge, and avoid the river during or after heavy rain.
Rivers to paddle near the Big Cedar Creek
Close by if you're planning a kayaking or canoeing trip in this part of Iowa:
Paddle more of Iowa
The Big Cedar Creek is just one of dozens of paddleable rivers in the state. Browse the full guide to kayaking & canoeing every river in Iowa.