Cedar River in Iowa

Trip Overview

Put in just below Interstate Park Dam in Mitchell, IA. Traveled 13 miles down river to my take out at Seter's Landing on River Road about 5 miles South of Osage, IA. A few riffles along the way and 1 set of easy class 1 rapids at the Spring Park area. No fences, 40 - 60 ft bluffs mostly tree and brush covered and lots of wildlife including a deer, bald eagles, hawks, owls, herons, and several large turtles. There is a floating pontoon bridge across the river at the Sunny Brae Golf Course in Osage which may require an easy short portage on either side of the river. I was in a kayak and was able to pass under on the river right end of the bridge.

Accommodations:

Very popular camping site, electric and water hookups,dump station, shelter house, modern toilet/shower facility, playground equipment at Interstate Park in Mitchell, IA.

Fees:

Just for camping, $10 without elec., $15 with for a single.

Directions:

From Osage, IA, drive 3 miles West on Highway 9 to Hickory Avenue. Then 2 1/2 miles North to Mitchell, IA. Cross the bridge and enter Interstate Park on West side of road. Put in below the dam. Take out at Seter's Landing is about 5 miles South of Osage on County Road T38 to 105th St. Go East on 105st which runs into River Road after about 3/4 mile. Take River Road North across river bridge and then about 1/4 mile farther on your right will be Seter's Landing.

Resources:

I used a map from Nate Hoogeveen's book "Paddling Iowa".

Here's my own 14 min. YouTube video of the trip:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mhp_bme34Y