We did an inaugural test float of my brother’s new raft on a relaxing and scenic stretch of the Skykomish River between the towns of Gold Bar and Sultan. The Skykomish has only mild rapids in that area, whereas further upstream/east has some sections of heavy duty white water (another trip…). Fish and fishing opportunities were plentiful, as well as the scenery watching. Since highway 2 veered away from the Skykomish between those towns, there was no car or road noise and only a few remote cabins and trailers. The rest was forest, logging land, close foothills, and views of snow-capped Cascade Mountains. There were many gravel bars for a picnic or rest stop too.
The best way to put in was at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Big Eddy river access / boat launch located on the east side of Gold Bar at National Forest road 6021. Big Eddy had lots of parking and a gentle slope down to a calm eddy in the river. Downstream from there the river didn’t come close to the in-between town of Startup, so the next public car access spot was in Sultan. The take-out was also a WDFW landing called Sportsman’s Park, located immediately to the west side of the town’s only bridge along highway 2. Car shuttle distance between the two points was only 9 miles, so it was a convenient setup all around.
Rafting the forest lined shores of the Skykomish River
Looking ahead to see what rapids are coming up
Skykomish River views of Cascade Mountains and foothills
Watching the shore and forest drift by
At the oars
Enjoying the float
Looks like an amazing float trip. Do you know if this area of the river is canoeable? I live out of state but am thinking about buying some land near Gold Bar / Sultan. I was hoping I’d get at least some use out of my canoe on the Skykomish.
Feel free to email me.
Greg
Absolutely, very canoeable, Greg. As mentioned above, that area of the river has fairly mild rapids and is very navigable by canoe if you are experienced. Good luck in your land purchase!
Scott
Thanks much, Scott.
You can actually exit the river in Startup. You just have to know where. There is a nice backwater area just before the Wallace river meets the Skykomish. You have to pull your equipment up the railroad embankment, but there is a long stretch of road on the other side of the tracks where fishermen park everyday. I have only packed inner tubes at this location, but it’s possible.
Thanks for sharing the local tip, Danielle! Sounds like that might be a bit tough pulling rafting gear up the embankment, but good to know of other options nonetheless. Enjoy those tube floats!
Is this part of the river ok to float on a single person inner tube? Also, how long do you estimate the float to be from start to end?
Hi Christina, the water was generally a little choppy but there were no big rapids on this several hour stretch during the time of year we went on it. Nonetheless, you always need to be aware of strainers (fallen or submerged trees), rocks, and funky currents & eddies. If you are just starting out, you may want to start on a more consistently “placid” river. But it’s definitely doable by inner tube if you have the experience and are comfortable with it.