Drift Boat Bald Eagle Tour
Enjoy the splendor of the Skagit River Bald Eagle Migration (the largest bald eagle migration in the lower 48) with the most experienced river outfitter on the Skagit.
Relax with high backed, cushioned seats, from a custom designed drift boat built with propane heaters to keep you warm while going down the icy river during wintertime.
Spend time with your friends and family during the holidays while enjoying mother nature, and one of the most amazing and iconic birds in their natural habitat.
Occasionally witness eagles and other birds feeding on wild salmon on the banks of one of the only rivers with all 5 native pacific salmon species.
Note: This tour is from a heated driftboat. If you are looking for the photography-centric jet sled tour, please click here.
Conditions: 360-510-1243
Skagit Eagle Tour!
Triad River Tours, the Skagit River experts, have merged with the oldest reputable outfitter in the area, Skagit River Guide Service, and now offer the trip everyone has been talking about; the professionally guided Bald Eagle Scenic Tour from custom heated driftboats with high back cushioned seats.
Our 3 Hour Eagle Tour begins in Rockport WA and is our most popular scenic tour because the Skagit River is home to the largest winter migration of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. On this tour you can witness the majesty of bald eagles in their natural habitat from the comfort of our custom made heated drift boats. Our drift boats are fitted with cushioned high back seats and propane heaters. Much more comfortable than a raft; these boats are designed with hospitality and the quality of your comfort in mind. You will find our boats are as good as you get on the river.
Our drift boat tours are a great way to experience the beauty of the Skagit. Whether you are a nature lover, amateur or professional photographer this tour will leave you with a lasting impression of the Skagit and the migrating eagles that return every year.
Skagit River Bald Eagle Tours run in the wintertime, and meet at Howard Miller Steelhead Park and from there we transport you up river by bus to Marblemount WA. Once we arrive in Marblemount we will get the boats in the water, fire the propane heaters off, have a brief safety meeting and then set off for an 8 mile drift through the Bald Eagle sanctuary. During your tour our experienced guide will give you information about the eagles, salmon runs and the intricate roles they play on this beautiful river.
There is nothing like spending a morning or afternoon with our professional guide staff while taking pictures and viewing the majesty of the North American Bald Eagle as you meander down the Skagit River in one of our exclusive custom built, heated Koffler Aluminum Drift Boats. This is a top of the line trip offered on one of the most beautiful sections of river you could ever imagine. There will be plenty of time to take in the sights, and strike up a conversation with family, friends, and perhaps new acquaintances while your expert guide navigates down this ancient river corridor searching for the nationally iconic Bald Eagles that come to feed off of dead, spawned out salmon that line the river banks. This is a nature experience that is one of a kind, and only available during a short window. Space is limited so book your spots now!
Bald Eagles migrate to the Skagit River in November and arrive in large numbers at peak season (upwards of 100 birds seen per trip) during the months of December and January. When you decide to spend some time with your family over the holidays, or just want to get out and enjoy nature at a time when she really has a lot to offer, consider joining us for a magnificent time on the Skagit River bald eagle viewing trip, and watch the Eagles fly all around you.
These trips fill up fast so make sure to get your reservation in early.
Skagit River Bald Eagle Trip Details
All of our Skagit River Bald Eagle trips meet at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, located in Rockport, WA. The park is fairly easy to find as it is directly beneath and beside the bridge that goes over the Skagit on highway 530 (there is only one such bridge). The park itself was named after a well respected Skagit County Commissioner who was a known lover of the river corridor and its amazing fishing. A great deal of the recreation in the area can be attributed to this one person.
At the Howard Miller Steelhead park you will locate your guides. Please do arrive early as the park can be quite hectic around the middle of the "Eagle Festival" which goes from Christmas time through the end of January. Tourists and photographers come from all around the world to enjoy and witness these spectacular birds, as they migrate south to chase the Chum Salmon on which they feed.
Your guides will escort you into our shuttle vehicle and we will drive up river for 9 miles and put in at the Marblemount Boat Launch, just outside of Marblemount Washington. From here you will float down near the Bald Eagles, and after approximately 2 hours you will return to your car, which is waiting for you back at the park. This trip is done in accordance with the rules set forth by the United States Forest Service, as well as Skagit County, both organizations which seek to preserve and protect the river corridor and the Bald Eagle Migration for future generations to enjoy.
SUMMARY OF TRIP
Length of trip: 8.9 miles
Normal Season: December-February (depending on Eagle Migration)
Runnable River Level: All levels
River Gauge Used: USGS Skagit River at Nehalem (click here to be directed to hydrograph).
Trip Meeting Location: Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52804 Rockport Park Rd, Rockport, WA 98283 (click here for map)
Type of Boat Used: 20’ Koffler Aluminum Driftboats (or similar) heated with propane space heaters throughout
Maximum Number of Guests Per Trip: 22
Minimum Number of Guests Per Trip: 4
Minimum Age: 7 (all minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian, and all minors must be announced at time of booking).
Minimum Weight: 50lbs. (anyone under 90lbs. requires a specific life jacket so all people under 90lbs. must be announced at the time of booking or at least 3 days prior to trip departure).
River Classification: Class 1-2 (click here to be directed to the American Whitewater page for this section)
Safety Protocol: Non-whitewater section. Swiftwater rescue kits, medical trauma kits, emergency communication device.
Paddles/Helmets Required: no/no
Type of Life Jacket Provided: Type 3 or 5
Duration on the River: 2-2.5 hours
Duration of Complete Trip: 3-3.5 hours
Food/Beverage Served: yes (hot cocoa available)
