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Alpine Adventures |
800-723-8386 |
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Downstream River Runners |
800-234-4644 |
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Wildwater River Tours |
800-522-9453 |
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Reachout Expeditions |
800-697-3847 |
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| Section |
Newhalem
to Copper Creek |
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Location |
Whatcom
and Skagit counties near Marblemount, western Washington |
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Driving Time |
Seattle—2.5
hours |
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Difficulty |
Class
I-II, III |
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Trip Length |
9
miles (14 km) (upper) |
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Trip Options |
Paddle
raft, oar raft, one day |
|
Season |
July-September |
The upper Skagit River,
adjacent to North Cascades National Park in western Washington, is a
very scenic beginning level whitewater opportunity for venturesome
first-time rafters. Except for a one-half-mile section of whitewater
that includes the Class III rapids Jack-the-Ripper and Wavy Gravy,
the upper Skagit has a low gradient and easy Class I-II rapids. The
Skagit’s thickly forested banks and frequent views of North
Cascades mountain peaks create a memorable river environment.
The
flow of upper Skagit, controlled by water releases from Seattle City
Light's Ross, Diablo, and Gorge dams, generally has adequate water
for rafting from midsummer until early fall. Its mostly Class I-II
rapids have made it the favorite summertime trip for children and
early teen rafting groups. While Skagit’s whitewaters are easy,
they are also very cold. Wetsuits are almost always required.
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