THE SKAGIT RIVER

"No where do the mountain masses and peaks present such a strange, fantastic dauntless and startling outlines as here," wrote Henry Custer, who worked his way through the North Cascades as assistant of reconnaissance's for the International Boundary Commission in 1859.  He strung together several adjectives and comparisons, but words finally failed him.  This wildly mountainous region, he admitted, "must be seen, it cannot be described".  Though Custer felt tongue-tied, he was the first to extol this region in writing.  In subsequent years, a few others were also captivated by the terrain of this region.

 The Cascades rank among the world's great mountain ranges.  Extending from Canada's Fraser River south beyond Oregon, they contribute greatly to the shaping of the Pacific Northwest's climate and vegetation.  The Skagit River runs deep in the wild, nearly impenetrable northernmost reaches of the Cascade Mountain Range in Northwestern Washington.  Only a few native Indians were familiar with the wonders of this region before the 1800's and still only a few know it now.

 Recent historic exploration began in 1814 when Alexander Ross ventured up the Skagit River to the present town of Marblemount.  The handful of explorers who followed Ross also commented on the region's rugged, isolated nature.  This area enjoys a rich and colorful history of gold mining and fur trapping that occurred from 1880 to 1910.  There were moderate strikes and furs, but transportation proved arduous and profits so limited that both were short lived.  Some logging and homesteading then started around the early 1900's.  The electricity generating potential of the Skagit River was recognized early on.  Between 1924 and 1949, Seattle City Light built three dams on the river.  In 1968, the North Cascades National Park Complex was established which is composed of North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas.  Proposals to build a Northern Cross-state by-way dated back many decades and with the new National Park, the state undertook construction and the most scenic mountain drive in Washington was dedicated in 1972.

 Even though there are accessible areas, history has touched little of the park complex.  Fortunately, there are still free running rivers and tributaries here. Some remote locations have yet to feel the boots of today's backcountry traveler.  Forest giants of western red cedar and Douglas fir carpet the deep valleys.  Along the streams and trails, tangled growths of vine maple, lush undergrowth and rugged canyons still defy cross country hikers.  Glaciers scored by crevasses, permanent snowfields, and sheer walled cliffs, spires, and pinnacles challenge the best mountaineers.  From the viewpoints along the North Cascade Highway, you may get glimpses of alpine and valley wonders that lie just beyond.

Come with us and relive the historic pioneer routes of the wild and scenic Upper Skagit River Valley.  The Skagit River offers spectacular scenery, dramatic wildlife sightings, and a wealth of natural history.  The river is crystal clear green and runs beneath snow covered mountains and ridges.  There are waterfalls, lush old growth forests and riverside ponds that warm up to swimming temperature.  The fishing is excellent and there's a one mile stretch of good fun whitewater!  We stop often to explore beaver ponds, swimming holes and even take a hike into a hidden valley to see an abandoned mining town.

  THE SKAGIT RIVER flows from the heart of a mountain range known around the world as "The American Alps". The Cascade Range is definitely one of the most unique and magnificent regions of the Pacific Northwest. Come with us and experience the magic and inspiration of one of earths most beautiful places by following a historic pioneer route on the Skagit River. Explore old growth forests and walk among the ancient trees of Big Beaver Valley as we tour the turquoise green waters of Ross Lake. Raft the Skagit River, and hike to abandoned mining camps. Discover the majestic peaks of the North Cascades National Park on our Six Day Skagit Pioneer Vacation. We'll introduce you to the colorful history and legends of the first pioneers. You'll stay at a unique floating lodge and camp on a river island. Everything is provided for you as we enjoy superb dining environments and comfortable accommodations. Fishing, photography, exploring and lounging are traditional activities included in our rewarding itineraries.

The Skagit River is also the wintering home for hundreds of bald eagles. Since 1974, we have offered year around natural history tours on the Skagit River. Our one day and overnight trips follow the seasonal rhythms of the valley. Every month of the year bring new migrations of salmon and wildlife. Join us on the Skagit River this season and we'll show you our finest old fashioned hospitality and one of Washington's best adventure vacations.

The concentration of bald eagles and spawning salmon in the Skagit River Basin is a spectacular phenomenon in the Pacific Northwest. We are now conducting Bald Eagle Float Tours December through February and into March. We are in the height of the season with departures almost everyday and over 250 eagles flying around us. Call now to join us for a wonderful wildlife experience. There's something special happening in the towns and on the river every weekend during the Bald Eagle Season.  We go in the middle of the week too and these trips are great for solitude and offer more wildlife viewing.

  Late February and March are great times to experience the Skagit Valley as it emerges from winter. The Bald Eagles and all the wildlife become more active and put on a show not seen earlier in the winter.   Springtime rafting also brings exploration and new kinds of adventure. Early March and April are the best times for the Ethno botany and Wild crafting Seminars where we learn from native elders and professional naturalist about wild edibles and medicinal plants. 

 Our popular Estuary Tours on the Snohomish and Skagit Rivers take us to rarely seen waterways where the rivers meet the saltwater marshes and grasslands. We conduct these trips by 14 person voyager canoes.  We photograph the famous Skagit Tulip Fields and migratory Snow Geese west of Mt. Vernon.  As we paddle into the Swinomish estuary, we see all kinds of birds, seals, wildflowers and historic boathouses. We treat you to a Salmon Barbeque Lunch and provide all the transportation.