Main Skykomish
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| Put-in: |
Index |
| Take-out: |
Gold Bar |
| Difficulty: |
Class III (V)
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| Length: |
6.5 miles |
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The Skykomish River is the closest whitewater adventure to Seattle and one of the cleanest rivers in Western Washington. It was the first of Washington’s rivers to be protected by the Scenic Rivers program in 1977. Cascading down from Steven’s Pass towards the coast, the “Sky,” as it is known to boaters, offers three sections popular with rafters and kayakers for different reasons. The seven-mile stretch from Index to Goldbar is by far the most popular and exciting. Beginning boaters will enjoy the gentle Class Is and IIs of the Lower Sky from Goldbar to Sultan or from Sultan to Monroe.
The Goldbar section of the Sky features one of the most famous rapids in all of Washington State called “Boulder Drop” which requires quick maneuvers and expert boating skills. Paddlers who choose to run this section will be treated to thrilling boulder choked rapids and breathtaking views of Mt. Index and Mt. Persis. The water is a pretty blue-green hue and the riverbank is covered with evergreen and deciduous trees.
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