Wildlife Ecology Tour
360-510-1243
Class 1-2 (All Levels)
A Non-Whitewater trip
90 Miles from Seattle
Now available with comfortable drift boats with high back cushioned seats.
If the speed of life seems too fast, come surrender to the easy flow of the ancient waters of the Skagit River. The middle Skagit River is one of the most famous scenic river sections, made popular by birders, canoeists, and those seeking an escape from the rigors of living near the city. This part of the river is lush with vegetation, and hums gently with the sound of birds wings. A breeze is often felt in the middle of the day, and the sun sets directly downstream, giving the river a pleasant and natural colored golden aura towards the latter part of the day. One of our highest rated river tours, and one that Triad River Tours has operated since its inception, the “Magic Skagit” tour is where you can leave your troubles behind, and surrender to the gentle meandering flow of Western Washington’s most perfect river; the lovely and amazing Skagit.
Skagit River Trip Details
Note: The Skagit River Scenic tour utilizes rafts and/or driftboats. While there may not be an option, you may have the opportunity to select a raft or a drift boat. A raft is usually simpler, a little easier to get into, and is often better for kids, for those who want to go swimming, or “lively” groups that may want to play around or start waterfights. Our custom designed Koffler Drift boat are equipped with especially comfortable high back seats, and is better if you are going to bring a beverage, or would like a quieter trip to yourselves to just enjoy the scenery. The drift boat option is better for seniors, disabilities, and for quieter groups who want to take in the scenery with a little more luxury (as well as lumbar support).
Trip Cost: (explanation of rates)
Pack List: (click here)
Difficulty: Class 1-2 (explanation here)
Exertion Level: Fairly Light (10%), No Feeling of Exertion (90%) (explanation here)
Normal Season: June-Mid September
Wetsuits Required: No
Length of trip: 9 miles
Duration of trip: 2-2.5 hours on the river depending on river flow. 3-4 hours total (includes safety talk and shuttle ride)
Minimum age: 7
Minimum weight: 50lbs
Minimum Total Participants: 4
Liability Waiver Required prior to trip: yes (online here)
Meeting Location: Howard Miller Steelhead Park (click here)
Risk Analysis of the Middle Skagit River
Safety Protocol (in process of renewal)
Number of significant rapids (Class 3 or higher) at normal flows: 0
Generalized classification of river by American Whitewater: Class 1-2
“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it..”
Things to do near the Skagit
Tumbling in swift curves straight from the heart of North Cascades National Park, the Skagit River is surrounded by some truly beautiful wilderness. With trails for all ability levels looping around glaciated peaks, and campgrounds nestled beneath the rising ramparts of the North Cascades, this area is a great place to explore for a day or a weekend.
Hiking & Trail Riding
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. From the North Cascades Visitor Center you can take the 1.8 River Loop trail along the bank of the Skagit to mountain views. Branching off from this trail is the Trail of the Cedars, a short offshoot into old-growth forest. If you fell in love with the sound of roaring water on your Skagit River whitewater rafting adventure, try Ladder Falls, accessible from a short trail behind the Gorge powerhouse. For those more interested in an all-day, elevation-heavy adventure, there’s Sourdough Mountain Lookout, where beat poet Gary Snyder wrote one of his books and where glaciers flash in the summer sun to every side. With almost 5,000 feet of elevation gain in 5.2 miles and a round-trip distance of over 10 miles, this trail is strenuous but rewarding, with some of the most breathtaking views this area of the Cascades has to offer and a historic fire lookout still standing at the summit. The trailhead for Sourdough Mountain is accessed from the town of Diablo, just east of Newhalem on highway 20.
Camping and Accommodations
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. Thirteen miles east of Marblemount is Goodell Creek Campground, sprawled in old-growth forests along the banks of the Skagit. This campground doesn’t take reservations, but it does have toilets and drinking water. Just west of Newhalem is the Newhalem Creek Campground, which has easy access to hiking trails and the North Cascades Visitor Center. This campground does take reservations and has water, a dump station, and flush toilets. It can also accommodate large RVs. 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. If primitive isn’t your style, the Buffalo Run Inn in Marblemount offers hotel rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant.
Food
Marblemount is the best place in the area to grab a bite to eat. Our guides love the small, locally owned fare at the Marblemount Diner. If you’re looking for some quick food and a caffeine fix, try the Mondo Restaurant. For a unique menu that includes, bison, elk, and seafood, the Buffalo Run Restaurant can’t be beat. If all you need is some sugar on your way home, the Cascadian Home Farm, located a few miles outside Rockport, has great ice cream and milkshakes.
For more information:
https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/camping.htm
