Skagit River

Whitewater Rafting

Rafting in the North Cascades National Park

The Skagit River has the best whitewater in July and August.  All of Washington State rivers rely on snowmelt to have whitewater. The Skagit is fed from Ross and Diablo lakes.  The 2nd longest river in Washington State set in a beautiful mountain valley at the entrance to the North Cascades National Park.  Ambling emerald currents sprinkled with rapids converge with lush ancient growth forests.  This is a great introduction to whitewater rafting for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Upper Skagit River
Whitewater Rafting

• Season:  End of June – Labor Day
• Class/Difficulty: Class 2 – 3 / Beginner 
• Ages: Minimum 50lbs
• Duration/Length: 4 hours / 10 miles
• Gear:  Flotation Devices only.  Bring your own river shoes if you have them.
• Price Range: See pricing below 
• Meeting location: Goodell Creek Picnic Area, Hwy 20 at mile post 119, Newhalem, WA  |  See Map
• Meeting times: Mon-Sun 10am & 2:30pm

The best place to use the bathroom before or after your trip is in the town of Newhalem.   There are brand new facilities across from the General store. 

Current River Conditions
via USGS
River rafting in the North Cascades National Park.
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Shovelspur rapid on the Skagit River.
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Trip Description:

The Upper Skagit River is located in the Ross Lake National Recreation area of the North Cascades National Park.  Another beautiful and moderate whitewater trip for the family, this river is a great destination in the summer.  There are plenty of things to see and do outdoors in the surrounding areas including winery tours, blueberry picking farms, hiking, canoeing, and many beautiful waterfalls.  Be sure to stop in at the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center just past our boat launch at Goodell Creek for additional information on area activities.  This whitewater rafting trip offers astounding views of granite mountain peaks in the North Cascades National Park.

The upper section of the Skagit River is rated as Class 2 – 3 and is a great introduction to whitewater for kids and adults.  A moderate amount of whitewater is enhanced by the overwhelming presence of nature on this 10 mile rafting journey.  The mountain scenery and abundant waterfowl make this a perfect nature-lover’s outing and one that is a great trip for the whole family.  There are plenty of opportunities to go swimming and even a big rock to jump from if the water levels are right. 

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Book Your Trip Below

To make a reservation for your Skagit River Whitewater Rafting trip, click a trip meeting time on your desired date in the calendar below.
Then, follow the prompts to complete your reservation. 

How to Prepare

We’ll provide all the necessary equipment and gear, but here’s what you should wear and bring with you.

What to bring

Hot weather

  • Bathing suit, or light weight clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses

Cold weather

  • Thin, non-cotton base layer
  • Wool socks
  • Water bottle

What we provide

All Weather, some optional

  • 3mm Neoprene wetsuit
  • Neoprene river shoes
  • Splash Jacket
  • Personal Flotation Device
  • Helmet
  • Shuttles To & From river
  • Rafts & paddles
  • River Guide(s)

Other preparations

Tips & Downloads

  • Do not bring anything on the river that you are not willing to lose forever. It is not recommended to bring cell phones, wedding rings, extra baggage, dangly jewelry, etc.
  • Waiver Form: Please click the button below to sign your waiver form in advance which will speed up your check-in process. You can also download a copy to print and sign if preferred but you must bring it with you. A Waiver Form must be completed by every person, and signed by a parent or a guardian for anyone under 18, who rafts with Alpine Adventures.
Sign Electronically
Download Waiver Form

Please Note:  Rafting and outdoor recreational activities involve risk; participants must read and sign the “Release of Liability” waiver linked to above.  If the water on the scheduled river is too high to be safely run on the day of your trip we reserve the right to: change rivers, re-schedule another day, or cancel the trip (with 100% refund).

Refund Policy:  A 100% refund can be processed if you cancel at least 30 days in advance.  A 50% refund can be processed if you cancel 10-29 days in advance.  No refund will be processed if you cancel less than 10 days prior to your trip or don’t show up on the day of your trip.  If fewer people show up for the trip than spaces were reserved, you will be held accountable for all reserved spots.  We raft rain or shine.

Where to Meet

Meeting Address

Goodell Creek Picnic Area
Hwy 20 at mile post 119
Newhalem, WA

Meeting Location Map

Want driving directions from your specific location? Just click on the Alpine Adventures circular icon on the map, then click on the right turn arrow icon in the red bar in the popup window. 

Accommodations

These are the spots nearby where we’d recommend a good night’s sleep before or after your river adventure.