Beginning high in the North Cascade Mountain Range, the Skagit Wild and Scenic River winds down steep slopes, through forested hillsides and wide, open valleys eventually reaching Puget Sound. The rivers of the Skagit System (Skagit, Sauk, Suiattle and Cascade) flow through rugged wilderness, forestlands, rural communities, farmlands and cities of the lower Skagit Valley.

This river system provides exceptional year-around paddling opportunities including sections of the Cascade that draw expert paddlers from across the country and sections of the Skagit that provide eagle viewing and a mellow float suitable for the whole family.

While much of the Skagit is protected the popular whitewater reach from Goodell Creek to Copper Creek has not been designated as Wild and Scenic. Seattle City Light proposed inundating this section of the river for a hydropower project in the early 1980's. While this immediate threat has passed the river still needs long term protection.