Skykomish River

Location: Seattle, Washington

The Skykomish River is the best-known advanced whitewater run in Washington. With easy access from Seattle, stunning mountain scenery, a nearly year-round season, good Class III – IV whitewater, and one big Class V drop, Skykomish river rafting has long been one of the Evergreen State’s most popular trips. The Skykomish River drains the wet west slope of the Cascades between the Snoqualmie basin to the south and the Sauk drainage to the north. From headwaters among 6,000’ and 7,000’ granite peaks in the Alpine Lakes and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Areas, the river’s North and South Forks tumble down deep, U-shaped glacial valleys. Near the town of Index the two rivers join to form the main stem of the Skykomish.

Go Rafting with A Commercial Outfitter on the Skykomish River

Blue Sky Outfitters has been providing raft trips for more than 20 years on some of the finest rivers of the Pacific Northwest. For more information, click here

Level of Difficulty: Class IV / Intermediate

Skykomish River rafting begins just above the confluence of the North and South Forks. Below the confluence lie nearly three miles of good Class III rapids, punctuated by a long technical and challenging Class V passage known as Boulder Drop.

Scenery: Forested Glacial Valley below Mt. Index and Mt. Persis

In addition to exciting river rafting on the Skykomish, paddlers enjoy outstanding mountain scenery. Rugged peaks rim the glacial valley, with the soaring pinnacles of Mt. Index (5,979′) and Mt. Persis (5,464′) dominating the view from the river. In the foreground, a lush forest of fir, hemlock, cedar, alder, and maple lines the river banks.

National Wild and Scenic River

The Skykomish was the first river to be included in Washington’s State Scenic River system. The Forest Service has recommended National Wild and Scenic River status for almost the entire Skykomish River system, including the North Fork, South Fork, and main stem. Wild and Scenic sta­tus would improve public access and help preserve the river’s excellent scenery and fine fishing.

Season: April – July

Skykomish River Rafting is available during the spring and early summer.