The Upper Skagit exemplifies a pristine mountain river, with its clear and iridescent green water fresh off of the glaciers of southern British Columbia. After earning his teaching degree from Western Washington University, Dave was stationed first in Arizona and later in Alaska where he completed his military duty. We offer Several Washington whitewater rafting trips that provide fun and excitement for the whole Family. Former teacher, Dave Button, spent his childhood in Newhalem, Washington along the Skagit River where he first started rafting. Darrinton Ranger District - 360-436-1155 Command your raft down the river. (click here to be directed to the USFS page and map). The eagles return to this area each winter to feed on the salmon that use the Skagit as a spawning route. Our rafts are not heated and it is very cold out there. We brought our trusty 15-foot raft (named the “Squeaky Eagle” by Jazzy!) The Upper Skagit River is located in the Ross Lake National Recreation area of North Cascades National Park. This section of river drops significantly, with a high amount of gradient for approximately 1/2 mile. While still dangerous, these rapids give most new whitewater enthusiasts just enough, without taking them completely out of their comfort zone. If you’re looking for some quick food and a caffeine fix, try the Mondo Restaurant. A moderate amount of whitewater is enhanced by the overwhelming presence of nature on this 10 mile rafting journey. Report response as inappropriate Thank you. There are 4 distinct sections of whitewater here, with the first two being the most intense. The mountain scenery and abundant waterfowl make this a perfect nature-lover's outing and one that is a great trip for the whole family. In the Newhalem area, easy jaunts through the moss-hung valley forest bring you to views of the icy North Cascades, including the dramatic wall of the Picket Range. Listed below are a number of commercial outfitters that run rafting Visit their web sights to learn more. Triad River Tours: Skagit River Rafting - See 380 traveler reviews, 62 candid photos, and great deals for Bellingham, WA, at Tripadvisor. Train you on how to paddle. This is a whitewater rafting trip in Seattle beginner adventures can enjoy. 3-4 hours total (includes safety talk and shuttle ride), Maximum Number of Guests per Raft: 8 (2 raft minimum), Liability Waiver Required prior to trip: yes (online here). Suitable for families and children at most flows, it's truly a mix between great natural scenery and whitewater. CURRENT RAFTING NEWS January 18th 2021: River Guide Training 2021 starts April 24th and runs for 5 consecutive weekends. (gratuity not included) A perfect way to welcome Spring and Summer – a scenic float or white water excursion down the Skagit River combined with a light lunch and a wine tasting at your choice of three wineries. From here we transport our guests up Highway 20 to Goodell Creek, which is located about 14 miles upriver from Marblemount. If you’re looking for a more primitive camping experience, the six first-come, first-serve sites of Gorge Lake Campground offer great views and toilets but no drinking water. The white-water trip According to Triad’s website this is an instructional trip that is designed to introduce clients to whitewater and educate the general public on contemporary use of equipment on whitewater rivers. Hot Weather: Wetsuits are optional. From there, the Skagit River joins Klesilkwa Creek and turns south towards the U.S. border and Ross Reservoir. Skagit River, Methow River, Skykomish River, Wenatchee River, Tieton River, white water rafting trips. Rafting guides. • Class/Difficulty: Class II-III / Beginner When running the Upper Skagit River rafting trip, we should take a moment to reflect on the rich history of the area. All rights reserved. The Skagit River is the perfect Seattle area family friendly adventure. Because of COVID-19 related operational challenges Methow Rafting has decided to postone Skagit rafting trips until 2021. At Marblemount, cross the Skagit River bridge and proceed past the entrance to the Marblemount Boat Launch (the starting place for bald eagle rafting trips and the location of a very nice bird-watching loop walk that follows the Skagit and Cascade Rivers). We encourage anyone who wants to get an introduction to whitewater or learn more about the sport in a safe manner to explore the Upper Skagit River; there truly isn't a better introductory whitewater trip out there in Washington. In the summer the upper portion of the Skagit serves as a mild run, with mostly class 1 to 2 rapids and one class 3 rapid called The "S" Curves. Tributaries. Tours in Skagit River. Non-cotton. We offer many different trips year around on the wild and scenic Skagit River system, from Skagit River Eagle Tours, White Water rafting, scenic Fall Color Float Trips, Skagit River fishing trips or Jet Sled photo tours of this world famous river … This trip is considerably tamer than our power packed Sauk River Whitewater trip, but does have a section of nice rapids with big, fun waves. Skagit River. special meds, cash. Wool socks. As a crow flies, it is about eight miles from Sumallo Grove to the 26 mile bridge in the Skagit Valley and another 10 miles to the reservoir. The float down the Skagit River in the fall is a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular colors of autumn and view the late spawning salmon. Rafting Reservations | The Skagit River Railway was constructed by the city of Seattle to transport workers and construction materials for the dams. Ross Dam on the Skagit River: The "Magic Skagit" snowpack supports hydroelectric power, river rafting, recreation and the last semi-healthy wild salmon runs of the Puget Sound Basin. Both Native Americans and European Settlers have had their difficulties with the surrounding North Cascades Mountains. If you want to take a few days to explore after your river rafting trip, the Skagit River area offers an array of reservation and first-come, first-serve campgrounds. Join Pro Guide Wayne Ackerlund for Bald Eagle Scenic Tours, Guided Photography Trips, as well as professionally guided gear-fishing or fly fishing trips for Salmon, Trout and Steelhead. Therefore we have decided to partner with Triad River Tours so you can still enjoy this beautiful river. and met our friends (with their own canoe) at the Marblemount Boat Launch. Phone: 206-938-4030; Toll-free: 1-800-228-RAFT. At Goodell Creek we will drop our rafts and begin our safety talk (once everyone is comfortable in their equipment). The Upper half of the Skagit River packs a whitewater punch in the Class III S-Curves, with plenty of time for snapshots, swimming, and splash time in the summer. From here we wind around for several miles, hitting the occasional wave, and playing games like the "paddle joust" as well as get a chance to talk about native plants, wildlife, geology, and anthropology. SKAGIT RIVER BALD EAGLE RAFTING. (No Parking Pass Required) The Skagit River in North Cascades National Park is the ideal introductory family river rafting vacation for people who are uncertain if white water rafting will be an activity they will enjoy. Another beautiful and moderate whitewater trip for the family, this river is great for the summer. The Skagit River valley is also known for its rich Native Pacific Northwest history and culture, dating back 8,000 years, that often centered around the rivers. Skagit River Guide Service Welcome to Skagit River Guide Service. River rafting near Seattle, Washington. At Marblemount, cross the Skagit River bridge and proceed past the entrance to the Marblemount Boat Launch (the starting place for Bald eagle rafting trips and the location of a very nice bird-watching loop walk that follows the Skagit and Cascade Rivers). The Skagit River offers great opportunities to see Bald Eagle's and other wild life. Here at Copper Creek is a restroom facility, and here your guides will shuttle you 5 miles back to your cars, which await you back at Marblemount. Our guides love the small, locally owned fare at the Marblemount Diner. Just west of Newhalem is the Newhalem Creek Campground, which has easy access to hiking trails and the North Cascades Visitor Center. This is an instructional trip designed to introduce our clientele to whitewater and educate the general public on contemporary use of equipment on whitewater rivers. Triad River Tours: White Water Rafting on Skagit River - See 383 traveller reviews, 62 candid photos, and great deals for Bellingham, WA, at Tripadvisor. Please click HERE to be directed to American Whitewater's page on the Upper Skagit River for more information on this particular section of river. Yes. The Upper Skagit river is located in the Ross Lake national Recreation area of North Cascades National Park. Skagit River Whitewater Rafting near Seattle. Home | Personal Flotation Device - Make sure to get properly adjusted & checked by a river guide. The Skagit River, in Northwest Washington, is the largest and most biologically important river draining to Puget Sound. The Upper Skagit River pours out of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and is the perfect introduction to rafting in Washington. Fleece top. A great trip for families, the Skagit River usually runs deep enough that we can take our larger boats, so even larger groups of 6 or 8 can fit into one raft. Bathing suit or light weight clothes. The three-hour white-water rafting trip on Upper Skagit River has family-friendly conditions (class 2-3) and costs $85. The float down the Skagit River in the fall is a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular colors of autumn and view the late spawning salmon. We offer Washington Steelhead Guide, Washington Salmon Guide as well as Dolly Varden and Cutthroat trout fishing on the Skagit … Adventurous activity, perfect for all rafting skill levels. Knowledgeable & professional guide for a safe experience. The Skagit River in North Cascades National Park is the ideal introductory family river rafting vacation for people who are uncertain if white water rafting will be an activity they will enjoy. This campground doesn’t take reservations, but does have toilets and drinking water. Wildwater River Guides: Rafting down the Skagit river - See 149 traveler reviews, 69 candid photos, and great deals for Peshastin, WA, at Tripadvisor. Skagit river is western Washington’s second largest river. Cold weather wear a fleece or wool sweater over the wetsuit. Rafting in Washington on a half dozen white water rivers. Skagit River Whitewater Rafting. Some people like to take a trip into the Cascade River drainage, where astounding views of the North Cascades can be found, and large peaks such as El Dorado and Triad Peak lurk around the tops of the Cascade River corridor. The Skagit River is the 2nd longest river in Washington State and is set in a beautiful mountain valley. It can also accommodate large RVs. Washington State white water river rafting near Seattle and Leavenworth. Based out of Sedro Woolley Washington, Skagit River Excursions has been doing Rafting trips, Eagle Tours, Scenic floats and Fishing trips on the Skagit since 1994. ... except on a dam-controlled river like the Deschutes or the Skagit. Be sure to stop in at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center just past our boat launch at Goodell Creek for additional information on area activities. 9674 50th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98136. Marblemount is the best place in the area to grab a bite to eat. Join Pro Guide Wayne Ackerlund for Bald Eagle Scenic Tours, Guided Photography Trips, as well as professionally guided gear-fishing or fly fishing trips for Salmon, Trout and Steelhead. Perhaps that's why so many families choose to take their children on this trip. The Skagit River starts 23 miles north of the U.S. border in Manning Provincial Park in B.C. The Skagit River is the 2nd longest river in Washington State and is set in a beautiful mountain valley. This self-paced course is designed for those interested in private rafting or commercial guiding. Take a Bald Eagle Tour to see the hundreds of bald eagles that migrate to the Skagit Valley. • Season: End of June - Labor Day • Gear provided? The upper section of the Skagit River is rated as Class II-III and is good for ages 6 and over. From here you have some local lunch or dinner options at local cafes, as well as several local hikes. Ambling emerald currents sprinkled with rapids converge with lush ancient growth forests on our Upper Skagit River Whitewater Rafting trips. For meeting location information for Upper Skagit whitewater rafting trips, see the Information & Maps page. Once everyone is ready to go, with a paddle in hand, we get ourselves nestled into the rafts. About Us | Meeting Location: USFS Marblemount Boat Launch located across the bridge in Marblemount, WA (click here to be directed to the USFS page and map). The trip ends at Copper Creek, which makes the total length of the trip just about 9 miles. After the S-Bends the river slows down and we are left to tell stories of the whitewater runs through the biggest rapids of the day. A great way to celebrate the season and view the natural beauty of the Skagit, you’ll discover the amazing Skagit. The river is sparkling clear, and on sunny days the water is an intense and beautiful blue-green. People new to whitewater will be given instruction on safety, prevention, and rescue procedures, followed by a nice 9 mile trip through one of North America’s most gorgeous rivers. For a PDF map with directions click here. Originating in the snowy peaks of Canadian Cascades National Park.Majestic snow capped mountains. This river is extraordinarily special, with a rich archaeological and historical past that gives it a near mystical feeling; the area was once home to the first human residents of the corridor, the Upper Skagit Tribe. After earning his teaching degree from Western Washington University, Dave was stationed first in Arizona and later … 360-873-2250 | Rockport, WA | https://glacierpeakresortandwinery.com/, Mt. Skagit River whitewater rafting tours provides a remarkable outdoor experience throughout the year. An eagle expedition is a river rafting voyage through one of the world's great eagle habitats. Ambling emerald currents sprinkled with rapids converge with lush ancient growth forests on our Upper Skagit River Whitewater Rafting trips. We run whitewater rafting trips on the Methow River, the Skagit River, the Sauk River, the Suiattle River, the Tieton River, and the Green River at different times throughout the year. Baker Ranger Station - 360-856-5700 All reviews skagit river rafting trip white water rafting super fun awesome guide these guys awesome trip recommend this trip lots of fun safety whitewater adventure thrilling. Under armor type material, polypropylene. The put in is at the Goodell Creek campground located within North Cascades National Park and just off the scenic North Cascades Highway, about an hour and 45 minutes from downtown Everett. The primary advocate for the preservation and protection of whitewater rivers throughout the United States and connects the interests of human-powered recreational river users with ecological and science-based data to achieve goals within our mission. “ Our rafting trip (Skagit River) had beautiful scenery and exciting rapids, but what really topped it off was our wonderful guide, Elise. ROCKPORT, Skagit County — The same sturdy rubber raft that had floated through the Grand Canyon and down rivers in Alaska rolled easily down a Skagit River that was surging just a … You will not be disappointed, and besides, it's always better safe than sorry when it comes to whitewater rafting, and after this run, you can always come with us on a more challenging river later on in the summer. Opportunity to raft through a series of Class 2–3 rapids. • Meeting location: Goodell Creek Campground.. HWY 20 at mile post 119. 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