SKYKOMISH RIVER RAFTING NEAR SEATTLE
When you are looking for whitewater rafting near Seattle you can't beat the Skykomish River. It is the ultimate whitewater rafting adventure in Washington State. Combining intense whitewater action with incredible scenery, the “Sky” is a favorite of clients and guides alike. Meet your guide at Big Eddy fishing access off highway 2, only an hour from downtown Leavenworth or Everett. When you are looking for Class V whitewater near Seattle think of the Skykomish River.
WHITEWATER RAFTING NEAR LEAVENWORTH AND EVERETT
The clear turquoise water of the Skykomish River flows around house sized boulders, creating unique and challenging rapids. The infamous class V “Boulder Drop” is one of the longest and hardest rapids in Washington State, but it isn’t the only rapid that keeps our expert guides on their toes. On this 9 mile stretch of river you'll experience numerous class III and IV rapids such as “Railroad,” “Cable Drop,” and “Lunch Hole.” If you’ve been rafting before and are looking for a more challenging and exhilarating adventure then the Skykomish River is the trip for you! The put in is located just down the road from Gold Bar and is a perfect choice when you are looking for rafting near Everett or Leavenworth.
RAFT THE SKYKOMISH RIVER WITH WILDWATER
Wildwater has been guiding the Skykomish River since we first started running Washington whitewater in 1980. With beautiful scenery, incredible rapids and close proximity to Seattle it is one of our most popular trips. Wildwater provides the latest equipment and the highest certified guides in the Washington river guiding business so that you can be confident your trip will run smoothly so you can focus on having fun. Visit our regional links page for information on lodging, dinning, hiking and other local attractions near the Skykomish. Join the experience today!
TRIP ITINERARY
- Park vehicles at the meeting spot.
- Check in and fill out a participation waiver.
Note: All minors must have a parent or legal guardian present to participate. If a minor will not be accompanied, he/she must have the waiver completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to the trip. - After check-in, change into the river gear provided by Wildwater. Use your vehicle as a personal locker to store your street clothes and other belongings. Store your keys in Wildwater's secured location while you are on the river.
- Once everyone is geared up, we take a Wildwater vehicle to the shuttle, which takes us to the put-in/launch site.
- Before boarding the raft, a Wildwater staff member holds a Trip Talk to prepare you for what is to come.
- After the Trip Talk, you split into raft groups and meet your guide for the trip.
- Your guide discusses basic river rafting instruction before putting on the river.
- Now it's time to go rafting!
- At the end of the trip you take-out back at the meeting spot, change into dry clothing, and return all river gear you used to Wildwater staff members.
DIRECTIONS TO THE SKYKOMISH RIVER RAFTING PUT IN
Wildwater River Guides Skykomish rafting trips meet at the Big Eddy Fishing Access, 1.5 miles east of the town of Gold Bar. Big Eddy is located just east of the Skykomish River Bridge on Highway 2 and the gravel parking area is run by WDFW. We have done our best to provide you with detailed directions to the Skykomish River put in from Seattle, Leavenworth and Everett to ensure you are able to meet your trip on time. A Discover Pass is required to park in the lot and you can purchase one online. Be advised that in addition to the directions provided we strongly recommend using a Washington State highway map for additional information.
DIRECTIONS TO THE SKYKOMISH RIVER FROM SEATTLE
- Take I-90 E toward Bellevue.
- Take exit 10B to get on I-405 N heading toward Everett.
- Take exit 23 for WA-522 E toward Seattle/Bothell/Wenatchee/Woodinville/US 2.
- Keep right at the fork and follow signs for WA-522 E toward Seattle/Bothell/Wenatchee/Woodinville/US-2.
- Exit onto Hwy-2 E and follow the rest of the directions below.
DIRECTIONS TO THE SKYKOMISH RIVER FROM EVERETT
- Take Hwy-2 E towards Stevens Pass.
- Traveling E on Hwy-2 you will pass the towns of Monroe, Sultan, Startup and Gold Bar.
- Approximately 1.5 miles outside of Gold Bar, WA you will cross the bridge that goes over the Skykomish River.
- Take a right just after the bridge into the Big Eddy Fishing Access parking lot, which is located on the South side of Hwy-2.
- Look for a Wildwater vehicle or sign and if you are lost please call 1.509.470.8558.
- Don't forget your Discover Pass!
DIRECTIONS TO THE SKYKOMISH RIVER FROM LEAVENWORTH
- Take Hwy-2 W toward Stevens Pass.
- Traveling West on Hwy-2 you will pass the towns of Skykomish, Baring and Index.
- The Big Eddy Fishing Access parking lot is located on the south side of Hwy-2 and will be on your left just before the bridge that goes over the Skykomish River.
- If you get to Gold Bar you have gone approximately 1.5 miles too far.
- Look for a Wildwater vehicle or sign and if you are lost please call 1.509.470.8558.
- Don't forget your Discover Pass!
BOOK YOUR SKYKOMISH RIVER KAYAK OR RAFT TRIP TODAY!
Wildwater River Guides offers Skykomish River rafting trips and Skykomish River kayak instruction and guided trips to Seattle, Everett and Leavenworth whitewater enthusiasts. Our expert guides have the highest level of training in the business and years of experience on the river so you can be confident you are in good hands. Contact us with questions or comments and then come experience the incredible rapids and beautiful scenery of the Skykomish River with Wildwater River Guides today. We look forward to meeting you!