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North Cascades and Skagit River Area ActivitiesWhile you’re in the area for river rafting or staying at our Guesthouse, there's so much to see and do in the North Cascades and greater Skagit River area. Here are some other recommendations for things to do to make your getaway complete...
HikingSafety Tips
Recommended: Desolation Peak Length: 13.6 miles Directions: Go east on Hwy 20 past Marblemount and the Blue Sky Skagit River Guesthouse. Turn left onto Diablo Dam. Turn immediately right into the Ross Lake Resort parking area. From there, take a ferry to the Ross Lake Water Taxi, which services the trailheads. About: Desolation Peak gained its fame from the tales of Jack Kerouac, in his book Desolation Angels, while he was working for the National Forest Service there. Nowadays, fans and adventurers alike still journey out to this truly desolate locale. Desolation Peak Trail features a burned hillside and, still farther up into the tortuous ascent, streams and lakes seem a distant luxury. Forget your Camelbak and regret it! Be sure to tote a copy of Kerouac to complement the fantastic views from Desolation Peak itself. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead Lookout Mountain Length: 9.4 miles Directions: Go east on Hwy 20. On the east side of Marblemount, turn right onto Cascade River Road, which immediately crosses the Skagit River on a steel trussle bridge. Go 6.5 miles to the trailhead on the left, just before the border of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. About: Not for the short-of-breath, the Lookout Mountain Trail climbs a staggering 4,000 feet from trailhead to summit. Precarious switchbacks scale through gorgeous old-growth forests, which later open up into broad meadows bursting forth with wildflowers and alpine life. As the name suggests, the apex of the hike delivers nothing short of the most breath-taking views of the Cascades. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead Sourdough Mountain Length: 11.5 miles Directions: Go east on Hwy 20 past Marblemount and the Blue Sky Skagit River Guesthouse. Turn left at Diablo, near mile marker 126. The trailhead is behind the swimming pool at the end of town. About: Like the Lookout Mountain Trail, this path is dauntingly steep, rising 5,100 feet in just 5.7 miles. Huff and climb through great forests of douglas fir, interrupted by occasional subalpine meadows. However, the payoff is worth all the pain. Panoramics at the peak of Sourdough Mountain stretch in every direction, with photo-ops of Colonial Peak, Snowfield Peak, and the Picketts amongst the rolling ranges of the Cascades. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead Thunder Creek Length: 38.8 miles Directions: Go east on Hwy 20 past Marblemount and the Blue Sky Skagit River Guesthouse. Turn right at mile marker 130 (Colonial Creek Campground). The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot above the boat ramp. About: A traditional North Cascades hiking route, the Thunder Creek Trail tours old-growth forests all the way to Lake Chelan. Plenty of trekkers go a few miles and turn around, while the western red cedars and views of icy, glacial peaks line the entirety of the trail. If you plan to rough it for a while, numerous campsites dot the valley. Note: Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead Boating Rafting With Blue Sky Outfitters!The Skagit River is a Northwest classic and we offer both whitewater and float trips year-round. If you're journeying through the North Cascades on the Cascade Loop, you'll find the Methow River on the other side for spring and early summer adventure. Ross Lake Resort Boat RentalsMotorboats, canoes, single and double kayaks available for daily rentals. Fishing
It's important to be familiar with the latest rules and regulations for the Skagit River as these have recently changed. Guided Fishing Trips: Ackerlund’s Guide Service – 1-888-6SKAGIT Emerald Water Anglers - 206-545-2197 Tours
RestaurantsOur choices for great food: Marblemount Diner 60147 State Rte 20 Marblemount, WA Phone:360-873-4503 Al & Lori welcome you to their new restaurant in Marblemount. Saturdays & Sundays: open for breakfast with buffet 8:00AM-11:00AM. Monday, Thursday, & Fridays: 11:00AM-8:00PM. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Dave at the Chamber says, "Great Coffee!" Buffalo Run Restaurant  60084 State Rte 20Marblemount, WA Phone:360-873-2461 Buffalo Run Restaurant features exotic meats such as buffalo, venison, elk, and ostrich, in addition to more traditional fare such as beef, pork, chicken, fish, pasta, and vegetarian dishes. Salad bar with home made soups, salads, and dressings. Cascadian Farm Roadside Stand 55749 Highway 20 Rockport, WA Phone: 360-853-8173 Offering organic fruits and vegetables, as well as coffee, ice cream, and more. Vineyards and BreweriesWashington's known for its wineries and the Skagit Valley is another great location to visit some of what the state has to offer. Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars Skagit River Brewery Area GuidesOnline guides offer great information about specific areas. Whatcom County GuideIf you're passing through Whatcom county (Bellingham, Blaine), check out this guide. Each of Whatcom County's cities boast their own individual character. From farming communities to urban hubs, these diverse communities await your exploration. Online Booking Now Available!Click on any of the links below to check available dates, book your trip, and ask us any questions.
Or, if you'd prefer, feel free to give us a call at (206)938-4030 or (800)228-RAFT or send us an email. We'd be happy to help you plan the perfect trip.  Looking For Even More Fun?  |
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Before you embark on any adventure, plan it first. Make sure you know: where you're going; what to expect; and when you plan to start and finish the trail. Leave an itinerary behind with someone. Also, never hike alone.
The Skagit River Valley is a popular place for fishing enthusiasts, especially fly fishing. The Skagit River is unique in that it's the only river in the lower 48 in which all five species of Pacific Salmon still spawn: Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Silver Bright. The Skagit is also home to wild Steelhead, Cutthroat, Dolly Varden (Bull Trout), and Rainbow Trout.
