Whitewater Packraft - Skykomish River: Railroad Bridge to Big Eddy

Interim note: Bob & Tom [the leaders of this activity] will be on the Owyhee River from 4/21 to 4/26 and out of cell phone range. If you are looking for permission during that time, expect contact the following week. Also, current river levels are running at the high end of the recommended flows (4,000). If levels are above recommended we will look at alternatives, including Big Eddy to Sultan. Expect an update email on 4/28. Stay tuned. - Bob 

Our intention is to paddle the Skykomish River from Railroad Bridge to Big Eddy. The rapids on this river section are at the upper end of Class II, with some characteristics of Class III rapids. The rapids are longer and require maneuvering around rocks but the stretches between rapids are long and peaceful. It is a good run for those with some Class II experience and ready for a moderate step up in difficulty. The river is fairly wide so wood hazard should be relatively low. This section is 3.5 miles long, so we will hopefully be able to do it more than once if all goes well. 

As with all river trips, this route will be contingent on flows running at a reasonably safe and fun level, with recommended flows at1,300 to 4,000 CFS. At flows above this range, difficulty pushes into Class III. Our destination will be finalized, changed or cancelled if the river isn’t in this range as the trip date approaches. We may choose to do the easier but longer Big Eddy-Sultan segment of the Skykomish instead.

This trip is the leadership assessment trip for Bob Kaye. 

As always, the water will be cold and weather variable, so plan to dress for immersion. 

For more information on the route and flows, see:

• American Whitewater here
• NOAA Northwest River Forecast for (GLBW1) SKYKOMISH − NEAR GOLD BAR Station Summary
• NOAA Northwest River Prediction service here

Meet at the takeout, Big Eddy Public Water access here at 9:00 am to put on dry suits and arrange car shuttle.