Skykomish, N. Fork
2. Bear Creek (Drum Beater) to South Fork Confluence(Canyon, Upper, and Lower North Fork Skykomish)
Alerts
Log in to add an alertOn the lower section just below the cable car crossing, the left channel has a river wide log down. It's easy to see as you approach and easy to portage on the right side (island). There is more wood on lower section but we could see and maneuver around the other wood.
The 2025 flood event severely damaged the Index-Galena Road just upstream of the 499 Bridge a short distance downstream of the Rooster Tail. The road is gated at this point which is the standard seasonal closure gate. It will likely remain closed through the 2026 spring season although paddlers can walk in. American Whitewater is working with the Forest Service and the Congressional damage to assess damage and secure resources for repairs.
There is an 18' log spanning the left side runout of El Nino, new since June 19th, when the left lower chute was clear. This is in a dangerous position, and is big enough and in a position, that it is likely to be there for a while. You can scout this log when driving up to the Drumbeater put-in.
Articles
Nov 6, 2023
Index-Galena Road Providing North Fork Skykomish Access Repaired! (WA)
Nearly 20 years ago, the Index-Galena Road which provides access to the North Fork Skykomish River sustained heavy damage in a high water event that washed away portions of the […]
Mar 11, 2021
North Fork Skykomish Road Repairs to Start (WA)
After years of engineering and environmental analysis, and some legal challenges at the end, reconstruction of the Index-Galena road is about to get underway this spring. This road provides the […]
Sep 30, 2016
Plan for Index-Galena Road Repairs on North Fork Sky Open for Comment (WA)
Snohomish County Public Works has published the long-awaited Environmental Assessment for repairs on the Index-Galena Road that historically provided access to the North Fork Skykomish River for whitewater boaters. Many […]
Mar 20, 2015
North Fork Skykomish Road Repairs Continue to be Delayed (WA)
As another spring boating season approaches many of our members have inquired about the current status of the Index-Galena road that provides access to the North Fork Skykomish River, a […]
Jul 10, 2012
Skykomish River Access Updates
Planning is underway for two access issues on the Skykomish River: environmental review is in progress for restoration of the Index-Galena Road along the North Fork of the Skykomish River […]
Feb 4, 2012
North Fork Skykomish Road Repair Public Comment Period Open (WA)
In the fall of 2006 a major flood event severely damaged the road that provides access to the North Fork of the Skykomish River. Most of the damage was between […]
May 14, 2008
New Wilderness Proposed for Skykomish River (WA)
In May 2002 Senator Murray and Representative Larsen introduced legislation known as the Wild Sky Wilderness Act to designate wilderness areas in the North Fork Skykomish and Beckler River watersheds. […]
May 14, 2008
Wild Sky Signed Into Law
Last week President Bush signed a bill making Wild Sky the first new wilderness area in Washington State in more than a quarter century. The new wilderness includes the headwaters […]
May 14, 2008
Wild Sky Signed Into Law
Last week President Bush signed a bill making Wild Sky the first new wilderness area in Washington State in more than a quarter century. The new wilderness includes the headwaters […]
Aug 17, 2004
Best Wishes To USA’s Olympic Paddlers!
The Olympic Games start in earnest for the paddling community today and continue through August 20th. American Whitewater wishes our Olympic team success. Our national team consists of Rebecca Giddens, […]
Aug 17, 2004
6th Annual Ohiopyle Falls Festival, PA
Sixth Annual American Whitewater Ohiopyle Over the Falls FestivalSeptember 10-12, 2004www.Fallsrace.com This will be the 6th year for this event and this year promises more activities in addition to whitewater […]
Oct 24, 2003
Tallulah Volunteers: We Need YOU!
Tallulah Season is Here!And this year, we have never needed more commitment from volunteers. Georgia Power has agreed in principle to AW’s proposal to ramp up to an additional 14 […]
Sep 27, 2000