Alpine Adventures whitewater rafting trips launch just below the towering peaks of Mt. Index and the Lake Serene trailhead. The trip begins with paddle practice in the calm turquoise pools above the misty horizon line of the first rapid. A few miles downstream lies the famous Boulder Drop rapid. Standing on the river bank next to Boulder Drop causes hearts to pound just looking at the thundering Class IV-V section of whitewater. When the river is at 6,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) or above, Boulder Drop becomes Class V and you need a great team with one of our expert Skykomish raft guides to lead you between massive house size rocks. We always stop and scout this rapid, as some guests may choose to walk around and be picked up downstream, especially at big water! Check out our Skykomish River rafting photos on Facebook.

Boulder Drop is not the only big rapid on the Main Section of the Skykomish. There are plenty of other exciting Class III to Class IV type of rapids including “Bonsai,” “Aquagasm,” “Lunch Hole,” “Railroad,” ” and “Fisherman’s,” to max out your adrenal gland as you wind down the river to our take-out at Big Eddy State Park. The awesome power of this river along with stunning mountain views make this trip a true Northwest can’t miss classic!