Rafting Company Owners Open Skagit River Guesthouse

On September 1st, Blue Sky Outfitters owners Brad and Terri Sarver opened the doors to the Skagit River Guesthouse, their new, completely remodeled bed and breakfast on the Skagit River.

Marblemount, WA—September 27, 2005 -- The Skagit River Guesthouse, situated on the Skagit River just outside the Western edge of the North Cascades National Park, officially opened its doors for business September 1st. Wanting to provide the best for their guests, new owners Brad and Terri Sarver put the formerly 1900’s farmhouse through a complete 5-month remodel. They also own Blue Sky Outfitters, a rafting company that can be frequently seen running river trips on the Skagit River and throughout Washington State.

The Sarvers’ eight-acre property on the Skagit River is not only the location of their Guesthouse but is also home to their rafting activities in the area, providing a unique getaway for the outdoor lover. Those staying at the Guesthouse can arrange for a rafting trip with both whitewater and float trip options available, accommodating all ages and levels of adventurousness. In the winter months, people come from all over come to the Skagit River to view the annual migration of bald eagles. The Sarvers’ rafting company offers float trips down the river to view the birds up close while sipping hot chocolate and snuggling up under blankets.

Rafting isn’t the only activity in the area. Just a few miles from the border of the North Cascades National Park, there’s a plethora of trails, lakes, and amazing views in the vicinity. Fishing is a favorite and with the back of the property bordering the Skagit River, there’s plenty of access. For those who enjoy being shown around, both Diablo Dam and Diablo Lake offer tours.

The Guesthouse itself offers plenty to do. Guests can curl up by the fireplace in the living room or by the pot-bellied stove in the sitting room. The Sarvers have put together a collection of games and a small library of Northwest books for their guests. Guests can walk down to the Skagit River at the back of the property or Diobsud Creek, which borders on the left side. There are picnic baskets and fishing poles available to borrow for those who’d like to put together their own outing. Guests also have full access to the kitchen, complete with everything they need to cook.

In their rooms, guests will find a full set of amenities: mini fridge with ice box, ironing board and iron, alarm clock with radio and CD player, hair dryer, coffee maker and coffee, and TV with DVD player and there’s a selection of DVDs in the Guesthouse’s library. Rooms are supplied with large towels, bathrobes, and travel-sized soap and shampoo.

The Guesthouse has five rooms available. Three rooms are on the upper floor: the Eagle’s Nest , which has views of the mountains and sleeps 2; the Cascade Room, which has a connecting door to a shared bath and also sleeps 2; the Blue Sky Room, which has a beautiful skylight and sleeps 2; and the Coho Room, which offers a private bath and sleeps 2. On the main floor, the River Room was especially designed for families or small groups with a semi-private bath, a queen-sized bed, and a pull out sofa—it sleeps 4-6.

Appetizers are served in the evening: smoked sausages, cheese, crackers, and mixed nuts. In the morning, a continental-style breakfast awaits guests in the dining room: yogurt, cereal, toast and jam, seasonal fresh fruits, assorted pastries, and coffee and orange juice.

The Guesthouse has been in the works for nearly a year now. Last year the Sarvers increased their rafting operations on the Skagit River and fell in love with the area. They spent months searching for the perfect property where they could not only host their rafting trips but also offer camping and upscale accommodations. Unlike many B&B-type accomodations that start as someone’s home that is then opened to guests, they designed and furnished the Guesthouse with their primary goal being their guests’ comfort and enjoyment. “We’re known as offering the very best in rafting trips and if we were going to open a place to stay we wanted to offer the very best there as well,” said Brad Sarver. “We’re excited about not only offering our Guesthouse to our rafting customers to stay but also for other area visitors as well. We love to entertain our guests and take pride in offering the very best. We’re thrilled to have a new offering to allow us to connect with people we otherwise wouldn’t have met.”

To help introduce the new Skagit River Guesthouse, the Sarvers will be offering special packages this winter for the upcoming “Skagit Bald Eagle Season,” the annual visit of up to 500 bald eagles to the Skagit River to feast on the migrating salmon. The package includes a one-night stay at the Guesthouse and a float trip for two down the Skagit River to view the eagles up close, followed by a fireside chili feed, for $270 (double occupancy). Gift certificates will also be available.

The Skagit River Guesthouse is located at 61008 State Route 20, Marblemount, WA 98267. To find out more information, visit their website at http://www.blueskyoutfitters.com or call (800) 228-7238.

About Blue Sky Outfitters:
Blue Sky Outfitters is one of the largest rafting companies in Washington and has been offering river trips throughout the state since 1982. The company is owned by Brad and Terri Sarver who reside in both West Seattle and Marblemount, WA.

Contact:
Brad or Terri Sarver, owners
Blue Sky Outfitters
(800) 228-7238
http://www.blueskyoutfitters.com

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