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Skagit River

Ambling emerald currents sprinkled with rapids converge with lush ancient forests on our Upper Skagit River outing. This is a great introduction to whitewater on our 3-4 hour, 10 mile Class II/III rapids offering astounding views just outside the North Cascades National Park. May through August. Witness the circle of life first hand on our Salmon & Bald Eagle Float. Spawning salmon create the incentive for hundreds of bald eagles from Canada and Alaska to converge on the valley. Marvel at these natural wonders as you travel this 10 mile stretch. 4 hours Class I. December thru February.

        Raft coming into a class II rapid on the Upper Skagit.

Whitewater

Upper Skagit River
The Upper Skagit river is located in the Ross Lake national Recreation area of North Cascades National Park. Another beautiful and moderate whitewater trip for the family, this river is great for the summer. There are plenty of things to do in the surrounding areas. Winery tours, blueberry picking farms, hiking, canoeing, along with many beautiful waterfalls. Mae sure to stop in the North Cascades National Park visitor center just past our boat launch at Goodell Creek.

The Skagit is the 2nd longest river in the state and is set in a beautiful mountain valley. The river is rated as class II-III river and is good for ages 6 and over. A moderate amount of whitewater is enhanced by the overwhelming presence of nature. The mountain scenery and abundant waterfowl make this a nature lovers outing. This is a great trip for youth. There are plenty of oppurtunities to go swimming and even a big rock to jump off of. Your trip meets near the small town of Marblemount.

Family Floats

Skagit River: Bald Eagle watching and Salmon Floats

Welcome to Alpine Adventures' tour of the protected section of the Skagit River. The river from Marblemount to Rockport, is managed by a coalition of agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, Skagit County and the Nature Conservancy. This ten mile tour includes the Bald Eagle Sanctuary.

The Bald Eagles along the Skagit have migrated from the mountains and coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest. These birds congregate near an abundance of food - like the dead, spawned-out salmon. The salmon runs begin earlier in the rivers of Alaska and British Columbia, so the eagles migrate there first and then move south as the runs of salmon enter the rivers down here. The largest concentration of Bald Eagles in North America is in Alaska on the Chilkat River. Over 750 eagles have been counted there. The Bald Eagles wintering on the Skagit and nearby Nooksack River comprise the largest gathering of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states and in 2007 537 Bald Eagles were counted by the official bird counters of the US Forest Service.

The Skagit River valley region is also significant for its Native American history and culture. Pacific Northwest area tribes often centered around a river. The Skagit, which takes its name from two distinct bands, the Upper Skagit and Lower Skagit, is believed to be a significant trade route to exchange goods from the salt water ocean and dense forests with the resources of the semi-arid climate of eastern Washington. Archeologists recently discovered evidence of indigenous people utilizing this region for fishing, hunting and gathering as far back as 8,000 years ago. While mountain trails were used by hunters, the river was a feasible way to travel and connect people. You can experience the magic of the Skagit as you float down the same river used by these tribal people. Join us and discover the abundance and unique interconnectedness of salmon and eagles. Determine if you believe, as these Native Americans believed, that animals can teach lessons and offer inspiration. The salmon is thought to symbolize instinct, strength and determination whereas the eagle symbolizes freedom, protective power, and courage.

        Eagle watchers on a sunny winter day. February 2008.

        Lower Skagit Bald Eagle Float February 2008

   Bald Eagle on the Skagit                            Group of Happy Bird Watchers!

Clark's Skagit River Resort

(800) 273-2606

Come visit us! We're close by the western entrance of the majestic North Cascades National Park. We have 125 acres for your enjoyment, a wonderful variety of cabins with multiple types of accommodations, river walking trails, facilities to make your stay pleasant and comfortable, and lots of bunnies that eat out of your hands. See Skagit River Resort.

Call the Skagit River Resort for package options. Includes: - Rafting for two - One cabin for one night

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