Skykomish River

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      A perfect day whitewater rafting through Boulder Drop on the Skykomish!

The Skykomish River is the closest white water rafting near Seattle. This Washington State protected Scenic River is the most diverse of all raftable rivers in Washington.  Want heart pounding whitewater, this is the best in the State.  Need a lazy beautiful river, just right for kids and families, then the lower section is for you. Take a scenic float trip or go inner tubing below Big Eddy State Park.  This is our Home River and no one runs it like we do.   Most companies come and go on this river, but Alpine Adventures brings you the best guides and whitewater program just one hour from Seattle.  Incredible!!!

The Main Skykomish River.

Alpine Adventures whitewater raft trip launches into the turquoise pools on the South Fork of the Skykomish River just above the the misty horizon line of the first rapid, Cable Drop. A few miles downstream lies Boulder Drop rapid. Standing on the river bank next to Boulder Drop causes hearts to pound just looking at the thundering class IV-V rapids. When the river is at 7000 cubic feet per second (CFS) or above, Boulder Drop becomes Class V and you need a great team with one of our expert Skykomish guides to lead you between the house size rocks. We always stop and scout this rapid, as some of you will choose to walk around, especially at big water! Check out our Skykomish River photos in the photo gallery above.

Boulder Drop is not the only rapid on the Main Section of the Skykomish.  There are plenty of other exciting Class III+ to Class IV- type of rapids including "Buttering the Biscuit," "Bonsai," Aquagasm," "Lunch Hole," "Railroad," "Surf Wave," and "Fisherman's," to max out your adrenal gland as you wind down the river to our take-out at Big Eddy State Park. The awesome power of this river along with stunning views of the local mountains and birdlife makes this trip a true Northwest can't miss classic!

Available year round, water levels allowing. The best whitewater is April through July. Minimum age should be 16.

Happy Folks at the bottom of Boulder Drop!

Family Floats

Sultan "Sky" Float
This easy floating section of river on the "Sky" provides an opportunity for the whole family to experience the wonders of nature. The overwhelming presence of Mt. Index rising nearly 6,000 ft. from the valley floor reminds you that you're in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. We often see wildlife along the river and share as the guides help to put the whole alpine forest ecosystem into perspective. The trip starts at Big Eddy State Park and is a beautiful ride downstream to Sultan. There you will catch a shuttle and return to our office in Gold Bar.

Overnight Trips

Wenatchee & Skykomish Doubleheader
Experience both sides of the Cascades with this two day adventure of whitewater thrills. The Wenatchee River flows from the Glacier Peak area into Washington's sunny apple capital, Wenatchee. For years this river has been a favorite of those who want whitewater and sunshine. Famous Class III rapids and big drops punctuate this river with names like Rock-N-Roll, Drunkards Drop, Granny's, Snowblind and Gorilla Falls. Stunning views of the Stuart Range on the East side of the Enchantment Basin region of the Cascades will awe you as you float the slower sections of this great river. Spend some time in the Bavarian style town of Leavenworth before hopping in your car to drive across beautiful Stevens Pass back into the big "Sky" country. The next morning we're off to run the Class V rapids of Boulder Drop on the Main Skykomish River. Each day includes lunch.

Special Hotel and Rafting Package on the Skykomish River! Stevens Pass Motel 800-793-6633

The Stevens Pass Motel is right down the street from Alpine Adventures Skykomish meeting location at the main outpost in Gold Bar. All of our rooms are decorated in a rustic country cabin style that is cozy, relaxing, and restful to stay in. Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast in our diner before your rafting trip, we have the best breakfast anywhere on HWY 2. Tell them Alpine sent ya! Click here for website. www.stevenspassmotel.net Call for pricing.

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