White Water Rafting on the Upper Skagit River

We start out with an introduction to white-water from Gooddell Creek to Copper Creek within the North Cascades National Park.

Ten miles of majestic alpine scenery, crystal clear and cold glacier water with 4 exciting and heart-pumping rapids.

View wildlife, learn about the mining, the Native Indian culture and Seattle City Light's impact on this emerald green River.

You'll experience four hours of history, scenery and fast-moving action.

This white water adventure trip is a perfect outing for the family and is classified as Class II & III white water so it is good for ages 8 and up. The scenery is magnificent and provides a wonderful day of adventure and fun!

Information on the Skagit River.
The mighty Skagit River is the third largest river in the United States. The Skagit boasts 5 species of salmon and a variety of other fish such as dolly varden, cutthroat trout & rainbow trout, making the area a paradise for birding, fishing and recreation. Each year the Valley is home to the Tulip Festival coinciding with the migration of the snow geese. Winter brings an abundance of eagles from Alaska and British Columbia. With some of the most beautiful scenery in Washington with looming Mt. Baker, this is an area rich in nature and historic interest that you you won't want to miss.

What to bring:
~ Camera
~ Binoculars or Video camera in a plastic bag.

What is provided:
~ Shuttle Service
~ Life Jackets
~ Rain Ponch
~ Professional guides
~ Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions:

~ What do we wear? -- Skagit Spring & Fall: These trips, during the shoulder months can be unpredictable. September can be a gorgeous month on the Skagit, but it is always better to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. This is why you should layer your clothing for these excursions. Synthetic fleece, poly-pro or wool tops keep you warmer and dryer than cotton. Neither of these are white water trips, so you would not get wet from the river, just wet weather. Shoes are required, and you may want to wear waterproof boots, or have dry shoes at the end of the trip. Remember you loose your heat through your head and your feet, so you will want a hat and dry feet. Bring rain gear, and hope you won't need it.

~ Do we have to know how to swim? -- You do not have to swim to go rafting! Life jackets are worn at all times on the river and are designed to float you face up. The guides instruct you before the trip on what to do in the small chance (extremely unlikely on float trips, more likely on white water) you fall in the river.

~ How big are the rapids? -- All rivers are different. Rivers are rated on the International Scale of Whitewater I-VI. Class I is "moving water", Class II is "splashes", Class III is "wet and fun", Class IV is "big drops", Class V is "violent rapids", and Class VI is considered "unrunnable". Our float trips on the Skagit are Class I & II. The Upper Skagit River has Class II & III, while the Wenatchee is Class III & IV.

~ Will I get wet? -- No, on the Skagit River Float Trips. Most definitely yes on the Wenatchee River and the Upper Skagit White Water trip. The trip, the water level and the class of white water will determine how wet you get. Also consider the season. If you raft when the snow is rapidly melting so the water is higher, you will get wetter.

~ What are the minimum and maximum age limits? And what type of physical condition do you have to be in? -- Our float trips on the Skagit River are for people ages 4-104. We have taken people in their 90s on these trips. We have also taken groups of paraplegics, and special education groups with escorts. You select the trip that is right for you or your group. If you have any questions, please ask us ahead of making your reservation. These age limits & physical condition do fluctuate depending on the water level.

~ Are we required to sign a waiver? -- Yes, our insurance company, as with all outfitters, requires us to have you sign a waiver & release of liability . It is here for you to read in advance. You can print and sign this in advance.

There is no hotel pickup. Child rate applies to ages 7 to 12; minimum age is 7. Round-trip shuttle service to the river from the pickup point is provided. Please order online, or call us toll-free at 800-305-9617.