Skagit

Took 3 packrafts out on the Skagit for a couple of laps this weekend. Put in and pull out are easy. Commercial raft groups use the recommended put in at Goodell Creek Campground an the pull out at Copper Creek. We did a bike shuttle which was easy to do along highway 20. There's enough bike presence on the road it was easy to feel seen and safe despite the narrow shoulder. There's a rapid or two straight away from the put in that puts you in the groove for the day. The longer stretches of flat water are punctuated by turquoise waters and mountain peak lined corridors. Even when the river isn't at its most fun, it's absolutely beautiful. The most excitement comes in the S Bends. The first rapid was fun and a nice introduction to the series. It's any easy tongue on the right that you can follow all the way through the rapid. The second rapid in the series felt like the most fun! There's a similar tongue on the right but it dropped into a bigger set of waves. Crescendoing over the apex of those was exhilarating. The the last rapid had its moment to with a couple of lines to follow. The S bends were worth the hype and a good place to learn if you're looking to graduate from class 2 to class 3 rapids. You can read the rapids from the recommended pull of on Hwy 20. There's good spots to eddy out in between in each so you can scout if it's your first time. The rest of the run meanders through another turquoise corridor. If you catch the commercial groups, you might find some of them cliff jumping from one of the larger boulders protruding over the river. There's a single inverted log in the middle of the river below the S bends, two boulders past that is a small shore and a boulder that you can climb up and jump off. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day! The pull out was easy.