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See Bald Eagles Up Close
Photos and story by L. Lisa Lawrence
The rugged snow-covered mountain peaks were shrouded by mist along a serene stretch of the Skagit Valley River in Rockport. The only sound was the dipping of oars into the water and the occasional chattering of birds. We sat in an inflatable raft warming our hands on cups of hot chocolate.
The guide stopped rowing the boat as we silently rounded a bend. Then he pointed toward the bank and whispered, “There.” We pulled out our binoculars and cameras. It was an awe-inspiring moment.
Every year around January, hundreds of majestic bald eagles return to the banks of the Skagit River to feast on the salmon that have also returned to spawn. People from all over the region, and the world, come to the area to witness this spectacular event.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
The Skagit Bald Eagle Interpretive Center in Rockport is a great first stop to learn about the eagles and salmon, plan your adventure and get up-to-date information on events and opportunities in the area.
One of the best and most memorable ways to experience this annual phenomenon is to take a guided raft trip from one of the local outfitters. Virtually all these trips are on calm stretches of river and are suitable for the whole family.
Many of these trips begin and end at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, where you will take a bus ride up the river to where the boats will be put in the water and your adventure will begin. The gentle float down this incredibly scenic river alone is worth the trip into the stunning North Cascades.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Most companies will offer hot beverages while in the raft and either lunch along the river for a full day trip or snacks/meal back at the park afterward. Outfitters provide you with PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) and special bags to keep your gear dry. Some will provide you with boots/booties prior to getting onto the boat. Check with your individual outfitter for specific amenities/trip offerings.
A typical trip will start with a serene float down this pristine river. River guides are trained in first aid, food preparation and are also naturalists who can tell you not only about the eagles you are there to see, but about local history and the ecosystem. They have some great stories to tell and will keep you entertained between sightings.
ALTERNATIVES TO RAFTS
For those who aren’t certain they want to get in an inflatable boat on a cold river in January, there are many other options for viewing the eagles. The towns of Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount host the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival each year. The festival runs every weekend in the month of January and features tours, walks and educational opportunities on subjects ranging from history to photographing wildlife. There also are events that feature arts and crafts, wine tasting, food and dancing.
If you choose to experience this event from your vehicle, a raft on the river or from a hotel or bed and breakfast in one of the many towns from Arlington to Marblemount, the Bald Eagle Festival has something for everyone and will inspire and connect you to this amazing world that is in our own backyard.
GOOD TO KNOW
The best time to see eagles up close is when the weather is the worst. Cloudy, wet weather forces them down to lower roosts where they are easier to see and photograph. Also, it gets very cold in the boats; wear warm clothing including hats and gloves with a waterproof layer on top and waterproof boots that are insulated or wool socks.
RAFTING COMPANIES
Here are some local rafting tour companies to consider:
Blue Sky Outfitters, blueskyoutfitters.com
Alpine Adventures, alpineadventures.com
Wildwater River Tours, wildwater-river.com
Pacific Northwest Float Trips, pacificnwfloattrips.com
Skagit River Excursions, skagiteagles.com
Chinook Expeditions, chinookexpeditions.com
HOW TO GET THERE
Take I-5 north to exit 230 at Burlington. Exit and head east on state Route 20 (North Cascades Scenic Highway) and head east about 37 miles to Rockport. You will cross the Skagit River on a metal bridge; the road will curve sharply to the right. To the left of this curve is the entrance to Howard Miller Steelhead Park.
The Skagit River Interpretive Center is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, usually through mid-February. It’s located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park Rd., in Rockport. The center offers bus tours from Sedro-Woolley to eagle-viewing destinations. Call 360.853.7626 or visit skagiteagle.org for hours of operation and more information.
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