As we descended into the first of many rapids to come, the
instinct to flee was strong. I reached nervously for the straps of my helmet
and life-vest, planted my feet firmly on the undulating floor of the raft and
started paddling. The voice of my river guide cut through the roar of furious
water: “High side!” “Lean Right!” “Paddle Left!” Waves crashed around the
thinly veiled boulders beneath the surface and quickly splashed all fear from
my face. This was no time to panic. Ten seconds and a metaphysical light-year
later, my shoulders had never felt stronger or the air so oxygenated. As the
boat glided onto smooth, crystal clear water, my eyes scanned the river’s edge.
Giant moss-covered boulders blended into ancient hemlock with a swift brush
stroke of the eye; sun blasted, snowcapped granite peaks towered 6,000 feet
above. As many already know, you haven’t truly lived in the Northwest until
you’ve been whitewater rafting.
In Our Backyard: The Sinuous Skykomish River
On the Skykomish
River, just a stone’s
throw up Highway #2, outdoor aficionados and novices trade nods in the most
exhilarating alfresco adventure to be had. This wild and scenic river offers a
unique blend of adrenaline pumping adventure and chi-balancing vistas. It is
home to unspoiled natural habitat, countless waterfalls and the Northwest’s
most famous class IV-V rapid—Boulder
Drop. Hands down, the most exciting undertaking you can have this year is to
indulge in the regions bounty of whitewater rafting.
Just one of Many
The Skykomish sits atop an enticing list of area waterways
that seem to embrace and encourage environmentally friendly water sports like
whitewater rafting and sea kayaking. Within two hours of Seattle,
paddlers enjoy the unparalleled scenery and emerald green waters of numerous
rivers including the Green, Sauk, Skagit, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Suiattle and Wenatchee. Generally, the
region’s whitewater season runs between April and August. However lake, sound,
ocean and some river kayaking can be enjoyed year-round. If you are among the
motion weary, consider eagle watching along the Sauk river or trying to catch a
hawk’s-eye view of salmon spawning runs in late fall.
Getting Started
You’ll want to choose a company qualified for your specific
destination and needs. Large groups are always encouraged and most commercial
companies offer shuttle service from Seattle.
Among the myriad of packages offered, you will find copious opportunities to
feed your zest for outdoor adventure. Paddle the Skagit
in an afternoon, spend a weekend on the Skykomish or enroll in a guide-training
course—the world is your oyster. Life changing experiences can be had with
budgets of all sizes so don’t sell yourself short. For around $60 per person,
an entire day in this paradise can be purchased including all gear, guides,
safety training, a hot meal along a secluded stretch of river, and barbeque
dinner back at the base.
Be aware that after your excursion it will be painful to
return to the city, so bring camping gear or book a room in a cabin or lodge.
For those looking for a luxurious, romantic getaway, bask under the full moon
with a midnight float and stay in one of the secluded bed and breakfasts that
dot the banks of area rivers. Book an extended trip to the San Juan Islands and
watch your stress float off into the Pacific Ocean
with the epic sunset vistas that can only be seen in a sea kayak. There’s also
something for budget and bus-bound city dwellers. The Outdoor
Adventure Center
designed a unique twist on dining out: chase the sun down the Sammamish slue
with your sweetheart and glide into port at Redmond’s Redhook Brewery.
Whether you are looking for a unique team-building
opportunity for your office, an unforgettable family outing, a new twist on
summer youth camp or simply in need of a refreshing new outlook, the gods have
handcrafted this sport for your delirious enjoyment. Book your trip early and
plan for whitewater fever to have you on the river all summer long.
Links to all certified companies in the area
Alpine Adventures
P.O. Box 373
Gold Bar, WA, 98251
360.863.6505
www.alpineadventures.com/
Blue Sky Outfitters, Inc.
9674 50th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98136
206.938.4030 or 800.228.RAFT
www.BlueSkyOutfitters.com
Chinook Expeditions
PO Box 256
Index, WA 98256
800.241-3451 or 360.793.3451
www.ChinookExpeditions.com
Orion
River Trips
12681 Wilson
Street
Leavenworth WA 98826
509.548.1401
www.OrionRiverTrips.com
Outdoor Adventure Center
15143 NE 90th
Street
Redmond,
WA 98052
425.883.9039 or 800.282.4043
www.OutdoorAdventureCenter.com
River Recreation
P.O. Box 2124
Bothell, WA 98041
800.464.5899
www.RiverRecreation.com
River Riders
P.O. Box 666
Leavenworth WA, 98826
206.448.RAFT
www.RiverRider.com
Seattle Raft & Kayak LLC
7777 62nd
Ave NE
Ste 102(mail)
or Bldg 11(shipping)
Seattle, WA 98115
206.528.1700 or 800.625.7782
www.SeattleRaftandKayak.com
Wildwater River Tours, Inc.
P.O. Box 3623
Federal Way, WA
98063-362
253-939-2151 or 800.522.9453
www.Wildwater-River.com
Further Links
E-Raft.com is a site for finding rivers and outfitters in your area.
www.e-raft.com
This is the Washington section of
the allaboutrivers.com site.
www.rafting.allaboutrivers.com
