Bald Eagle Raft Tours on the Skagit River

Join us for this exciting chance to look an Eagle in the Eye! The Bald Eagle Adventure is offered between December and the first week in March when the largest concentration of wintering Bald Eagles found anywhere within the lower 48 states visit the Skagit River. You can expect to see 20 to 200 or more eagles in their natural habitat.

Now you can enjoy the thrill of seeing these magnificent birds while you float quietly down the Skagit River. As your naturalist guide takes you on your journey down the river, marvel at the gorgeous scenery and the splendor of Mt. Baker in the background. We have offered this trip since 1974 and it remains a popular yearly event! This is a perfect occasion to observe and photograph these majestic birds in their natural surroundings. Join us!!!

The Bald Eagles migrate south from Canada and Alaska to find good food and clean water. The Skagit River, bordered by maple and cottonwood trees large enough to support the huge birds, provides the environment to suit their tastes. Spawned out Salmon line the shore of the river and the giant eagles feed all winter on the migratory fish.

Our personable guides are very knowledgeable about this area and the river. Many of them have been guiding this trip for 10 years or more and they fully enjoy sharing this wonder with visitors. Very adept at spotting plant and wildlife your guide will relate the rich history and ecology of the Skagit. This 8 mile float covers the area where the most of the Bald Eagles can be viewed, the Wild and Scenic Section of the Skagit River.

While you are on the river, you will be able to see eagles on both sides of the river in places you could never see as an observer from the banks or road. We do ask that you keep your voices down so the eagles are not disturbed as we float, but you can click your cameras as much as you like.

The trip takes about 3 hours from pickup to dropoff and is suitable for all ages as there is no white water. Bring your cameras for the many photo opportunities.

The U.S. Forest Service limits commercial rafting hours on the river in order to provide sufficient time for eagles to feed without interference. Prior to embarking on your safe inflatable raft our guides will brief you with our safety talk about this trip.

Information on the Skagit River.
The mighty Skagit River is the third largest river in the United States. The Skagit boasts 5 species of salmon and a variety of other fish such as dolly varden, cutthroat trout & rainbow trout, making the area a paradise for birding, fishing and recreation. Each year the Valley is home to the Tulip Festival coinciding with the migration of the snow geese. Winter brings an abundance of eagles from Alaska and British Columbia. With some of the most beautiful scenery in Washington with looming Mt. Baker, this is an area rich in nature and historic interest that you won't want to miss.

What to bring:
~ Camera
~ Binoculars or Video camera in a plastic bag.

What is provided:
~ Shuttle Service
~ Life Jackets
~ Rain Ponch
~ Professional guides
~ Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions:

~ What do we wear? -- Skagit Eagle: (mid-December, January, February) The weather in Washington during the winter can be so terribly unpredictable. Sometimes it is bitter cold and other times, such as this past winter it was mild, gorgeous weather. During the winter you must dress for the cold with synthetic fleece, poly-pro or wool tops and pants, appropriate outer wear jackets, hats, gloves, long underwear, and appropriate dry warm footwear with heavy wool socks. It can be cold on the river, and if you are dressed for the cold you will enjoy your trip far more. You can always remove some of your layers, we bring dry bags for this as well as packing cameras and snacks.

~ Do we have to know how to swim? -- You do not have to swim to go rafting! Life jackets are worn at all times on the river and are designed to float you face up. The guides instruct you before the trip on what to do in the small chance (extremely unlikely on float trips, more likely on white water) you fall in the river.

~ How big are the rapids? -- All rivers are different. Rivers are rated on the International Scale of Whitewater I-VI. Class I is "moving water", Class II is "splashes", Class III is "wet and fun", Class IV is "big drops", Class V is "violent rapids", and Class VI is considered "unrunnable". Our float trips on the Skagit are Class I & II. The Upper Skagit River has Class II & III, while the Wenatchee is Class III & IV.

~ Will I get wet? -- Not on the Skagit River Float Trips.

~ What are the minimum and maximum age limits? And what type of physical condition do you have to be in? -- Our float trips on the Skagit River are for people ages 4-104. We have taken people in their 90s on these trips. We have also taken groups of paraplegics, and special education groups with escorts. You select the trip that is right for you or your group. If you have any questions, please ask us ahead of making your reservation. These age limits & physical condition do fluctuate depending on the water level.

Are we required to sign a waiver? -- Yes, our insurance company, as with all outfitters, requires us to have you sign a waiver & release of liability . It is here for you to read in advance. You can print and sign this in advance.

Child rate applies to ages 4 to 12; minimum age is 4. NO hotel pickup is provided; you must provide your own transportation to our central meeting point in Concrete, WA. Please order online, or call us toll-free at 888-790-1874.