Confluence Park sits right where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte in downtown Denver, home to the small, approachable whitewater feature known as the 16th Street Wave. The park has real history behind it too—gold was discovered here in 1858, helping kick off the Colorado Gold Rush, and the site was rebuilt into today's park after the devastating 1965 flood. It's a flow-dependent, man-made feature, so check conditions before paddling, but no-gear visitors can rent kayaks right nearby at Confluence Kayak & Ski. Sitting at the junction of the Cherry Creek and South Platte River trails, it's an easy, central beginner session, and hosts the Crosscurrents paddling festival each July.