Over the past couple weeks the wet pacific northwest climate dried out. This led to falling river flows that stabilized around 4,000 cfs on the Main Skykomish and then steadily dropped to 2,000 cfs. As a result I was able to use the low water technical river skills I've acquired from years of guiding in Colorado.
At these flows the North Fork of the Skykomish proves to be narrow, shallow, and generally technical. Thus providing clients with opportunity to hone their paddling skills while preparing for the increasingly difficult Boulder Drop. This dynamic and diverse rapid has an intricate character, from high water over head crashing waves to medium flow greasy tractor beam lines to technical meandering through narrow channels, around boat wrapping rocks, and down steep drops this rapid truly is compelling.
The Crew and Jere Coming Through Airplane Turn in Boulder Drop
During this prolonged period of clear dry skies we had a stunning full moon display. The giant super moon posed along side the monolith that is the North Peak of Mount Index. The North Peak rises 4,800 feet from the valley floor. This striking tower of rock has resonated my imagination since my first trip to Washington over a decade ago. Now on a nearly daily basis I have gazed upon its faces. From the river and town walls, through shrouded fog and clouds, layered in a white blanket of snow or a sun setting red this peak is yet another beautiful, rugged, wild distinction of the Pacific Northwest.
The Skykomish River comes crashing off of the high peaks of the Wild Sky and Henry Jackson Wilderness areas. The mountains within these areas strike the sky five thousand feet above the valley floor. Collecting up to 200" of precipitation every year provides the Skykomish river with generous flows.
Our North Fork of the Sky trip meanders along the Wild Sky Wilderness boundary. In fact sections of this commercially run section are the wilderness area boundary. This provides spectacular scenery with an almost daily sighting of bald eagles and the occasional bobcat sighting.
Since Outdoor Adventures has a private put in we are the only company running this section. Outdoor Adventures is a family run business and the Corson's have been generous. They have allowed us to provide our friends, families, and clients with a unique class III experience.
Ryland on the North Fork
Over the past couple weeks I have been able to take friends to this amazing location. After paddling at the USRA National ChampionshipsJeremiah and Katie came to Index for a visit. Subsequently we paddled with Seamus on the North Fork Skykomish (III). After that Jeremiah, Seamus, Ryland and I R-2'd the Main Skykomish (V). So much fun paddling with Katie and Jeremiah a fellow Ark Shark teammate. Shortly after their visit I had another opportunity to showcase one of Washington's best rivers to friends.
Wade, Hannah, Ryland, Josie, Me, Sam, Rib, and Seamus
Josie came along with Sam as she was moving back to the South Sound area. They had rafted the Lochsa in Idaho a couple days before. So I figured we would be good to go on the Main Sky (V) but we were more inclined to have a scenic run on the North Fork followed with a riverside campfire. Not surprisingly Josie and Sam were impressed with the hidden town of Index, the Skykomish River and the surrounding wilderness. The next day Sam played guide and guides played tourists when we headed to Pikes Place Market in Seattle for a cultural buffet.
Keith, Lindsey, Me, Jordan
Soon after I had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful group down the North Fork to the Main in a full day whitewater adventure. Here is a photo Mark from Woodinville took on our North Fork to Main Skykomish trip. Keith rallied two full boats from the North Fork to upgrade and add the Main Sky to complete this fun filled day.
