Skykomish River

We will be following the Skykomish for about the next 35 miles. In the summer, the river is very popular with fishermen, kayakers and rafters. The Skykomish is one of the largest rivers in the state of Washington that has not been dammed. Salmon travel from the Pacific Ocean up this river to spawn. We’ll see some of the 10,000 waterfalls in the state of Washington as we travel up this river. I’ll point out three or four of the more significant waterfalls as we travel along. 

The Skykomish River originates from the Cascade Mountains, joining the North Fork and South Fork near Index, WA. Spanning 29 miles, it forms part of the Snohomish River near Monroe, WA. Offering prime fishing for various salmon species and steelhead, it's a renowned destination for anglers and whitewater enthusiasts. The river is accessible from multiple boat launches, attracting visitors worldwide. Notably, it's free-flowing without dams and hosts Class III to Class IV+ rapids, including Boulder Drop. Historically, the Great Northern Railway ran along its course, crossing Stevens Pass. The river boasts five waterfalls, and its name, "Skykomish," means "upriver people '' in the Lushootseed language. The Skykomish River confronts significant challenges due to the invasion of knotweed and deforestation, leading to habitat degradation and compromised water quality. To address these threats, Forterra, in collaboration with partners, has implemented a comprehensive riparian restoration program aimed at controlling knotweed and restoring native plant communities. This initiative seeks to safeguard the river's precious habitat and recreational values by enhancing riparian buffers, improving water quality, and fostering long-term community stewardship.

1. SkyKomish River Fishing - Ridge to river Outdoors. (2021, March 22). Ridge to River Outdoors. https://ridgetoriveroutdoors.com/fishing/skykomish-river-fishing/
2. Skykomish River - Forterra. (2023, May 26). Forterra. https://forterra.org/projects/skykomish-river/