South Platte, Colorado, US

07. Confluence of Cherry Creek and South Platte (near Speer Blvd) (Efluent Park)

Usual Difficulty	II-III (for normal flows)
Length	0.5 Miles

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
SOUTH PLATTE R AT 64TH AVE. COMMERCE CITY, CO.
usgs-06714215	200 - 5000 cfs	II-III	01h26m	7.4 cfs (rc= -0.0 )

River Description

Wear good nose plugs! Conlfuence is at the junction of Cherry Creek and the South Platte, about 1/2 way down the South Platte through Denver and has had a couple of waste plants and lots of storm drains empty into it at this point. Legend has it that if you boat Confluence regularily you never get sick 'cause your immune system is like elite special forces! Right next to REI are the features created specifically for boaters. There are about 5 features in a 50 yard Class III rapid that runs down the river right side of a low head dam. Sometimes there are big boat demos here. About 150 yards downstream the remnants of an old bridge actually create a wave/hole that at most levels is better than the intentional stuff upstream. Keep on boating another couple hundred yards and there are a few more artificial rapids that do have some play in them but are rarely run.

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 ).