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Skykomish River Whitewater Raft Trip: Boulder Drop – Class IV-V

Quick Details

Full Boat/Group Reservation Must purchase the full boat (up to 6 paddlers)
$660

Skykomish River Rafting Adventure

Do you seek the adrenaline rush of a fast-paced whitewater adventure? If so, this trip is for you!

Located just 1 hour from Seattle, the Skykomish River is your ideal adventure destination! Each raft holds 6 paddlers (plus your guide) so bring your friends! (They will thank you!).

Your Skykomish whitewater rafting trip begins at our riverfront facility in Index, Washington; the River House. After introductions and a brief safety video, your guides will distribute wetsuits, booties, PFDs, and other rafting attire for you to change into (changing rooms provided). They’ll also answer your questions and teach you how to paddle efficiently as a team so that you can conquer the big stuff!

Your expertly-guided rafting adventure includes 9 miles of Class III-V whitewater rapids. And don’t worry – our photographer will be there to capture the most memorable moments so that you can share them with your friends, family, and co-workers! Photos are available for viewing and purchase in our retail store following your trip.

If you’re into big water and a thrilling whitewater adventure, then spring and early summer rafting are for you! A snowmelt river, the Skykomish is generally at its peak flows during the months of May and June. Each year is different, so be sure to plan ahead!

The Main Sky trip is generally available daily from late March through mid-July, subject to water levels. Trips are available year-round for groups of 6+ as conditions allow. For arrangements please email your request to [email protected]

Read More About River Gear

At the end of your trip, you’ll enjoy a quick shuttle back to the River House where your adventure began. Our on-site Cafe means that you can also enjoy an adult beverage or espresso, if you’d like.

Though times will vary depending on water levels, the 9 a.m. trip is generally wrapped up by 1:30 p.m. The 2:30 p.m. trip is usually finished up around 6:30 p.m. Custom times may be available, with advance notice and a minimum number of paddlers. Please call 425-883-9039.

This river trip is ideal for the experienced paddler or adventurous beginners! All participants have the option to walk around the Class V Boulder Drop rapid halfway through the trip. A popular adventure for businesses, family reunions, college groups, bachelor parties, and outdoor enthusiasts.

About the Skykomish River

The Skykomish River comes tumbling down from the North Central Cascades through a steep and rugged valley. It is one of the most beautiful rivers in the state. Three miles into the trip you are faced with the infamous Class V, “Boulder Drop.” This drop challenges even the most experienced boaters. Exhilarating rapids such as “Lama Ledges,” “Lunch Hole,” “Railroad,” “Fun,” “Proctor Rapid,” and “Deja Vu” will continue to keep your adrenaline pumping.

Fed by the Cascades’ many tributaries, the amount of water moving through this section of river (the CFS) changes daily based on rainfall and snowmelt. The North Fork Skykomish River trip is the alternative run for the Main Skykomish trip when the CFS is too great to run Boulder Drop. We reserve the right to transfer your trip to the North Fork Skykomish run if water levels are rising.

Check Current River Levels

About the River House

The River House is our beautifully-restored adventure facility in the heart of Index, Washington. This prime location allows us to provide our Skykomish rafting guests with lots of extras that aren’t included on most rafting trips; a hot tub, indoor restrooms, a retail store, coffee shop and cafe, free wi-fi, indoor and outdoor seating, and free parking. It is also a great place for your less adventurous or younger friends and family to wait for you or meet up with you after your river trip. They can even take advantage of one of the numerous hikes in the area while you’re out on the water, then meet back up with you to enjoy a meal and the photo slideshow!

Please note that all trips have a minimum number of participants. If you register for a trip that does not yet have the required number of paddlers, we may be forced to reschedule your trip. We will notify you by phone and email at least 24 hours in advance in this situation to discuss alternative dates and times.