Skykomish River: Big Eddy to Monroe

Flow

• NOAA Gauge: SKYKOMISH--NEAR GOLD BAR (GLBW1)
• 400 - 1,000 cfs:  Low but plenty of water and a mellow trip.
• 1,000 - 4,000 cfs:  Recommended range.
• Above 4,000 cfs:  Still runnable with caution and prior experience.

Put-Ins & Take-outs

• Big Eddy:  a river access point with a boat launch.  Outhouse and ample parking
• Sportsman Park in Sultan:  There is ample parking and port-pottys.  The take out is a short distance up the Sultan river.  Be sure to check the landing.  It is owned by Washing ton Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and managed by the City of Sultan.
• Ben Howard Boat Ramp in Monroe. From Monroe drive south on SR-203, over the Skykomish River Bridge, take the next left onto Ben Howard Rd, and drive 2 miles. Access is on the left before going up hill.
  
• Lewis Street Boat Ramp in Monroe: A public boat ramp just downstream from the Lewis St Bridge near Skykomish River Park in Monroe.

On the water

Big Eddy to Sultan

9.0 Miles, Difficulty: River Class II

Launch into a big eddy with deep water and slow moving current. Downstream, on the first right hand bend, is the most interesting rapid.  There are several possible lines, some maneuvering required but Class II. The remaining rapids are generally gravel bar drops with a clear channel.  Between are long stretches of peaceful paddling. Minimal wood hazard.

Sultan to Monroe

10.0 miles, Difficulty: River Class I

A nice river section, easier than the section above Monroe that can be run year-round. Most of this section is broad with mild current. There are a few straight forward gravel bar drops. At lower water flow (below 1,000 cfs) some sharp eddy lines may form in these drops.

• Take out at the Ben Howard Boat Ramp for a 7-mile trip from Sultan which includes one Class I+ drop depending on flow, several Class I riffles with eddies, some wood and mid-river boulders
• Put in at the Ben Howard Boat Ramp and take out at Lewis Street Boat Ramp for a serene 2.6-mile float that is completely flat with the exception of two Class I riffle, one half way down and another just before the Lewis Street Bridge.

Notes

• This is American Whitewater's Skykomish: 3 - Big Eddy to Monroe section.

• Suitable Activities: Packrafting, Sea Kayaking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: *Varies*
• Length: 10.0 nm
• Elevation Gain: -36 ft
• High Point: 108 ft

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see "Put-Ins" & "Take-Outs" sections (above)
• Recommended Party Size: 6
• Maximum Party Size: 14
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 14