| Skagit — 1. Goodell Creek to Bacon Creek™ © |
Class II (III+)
8.9Miles
Play Rating (1-10): 4
River Mapplet
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GPS/GIS |
Maps |
| Put In Longitude : |
-121.27104 |
Putin |
| Put In Latitude : |
48.6737671 |
| Take Out Longitude : |
-121.37886 |
Take Out |
| Take Out Latitude : |
48.5927849 |
| County : |
Whatcom |
Shuttle
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Gauge Information (Professor Paddle updated levels from SKAGIT RIVER AT NEWHALEM, WA at 4/30/2025 7:25:23 PM)
| Gauge |
Forecast |
Height |
Current Flow |
Authority |
Physical Update |
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SKAGIT RIVER AT NEWHALEM, WA
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n/a |
83.49 |
3040 cfs
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USGS - NWIS |
2025-04-30 19:00:00 |
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Minimum Recomended Level: 1500 cfs Maximum Recomended Level: 8000 cfs
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AccessTake HWY 20 east from Burlington (or west from Newhalem) |
Putin DetailsTypically Goodell Campground Boat launch off Hwy 20. Other options include Below the powerhouse in Newhalem (which adds a couple class II/III rapids), the campground upstream of Goodell Creek on river left, and below the putin rapid via trails. |
Takeout DetailsTake the NP213 Rd just east of Bacon Creek off HWY 20. Follow the road a short distance to the boat ramp. Many people also take out just below S-Bends. Park on HWY 20 near the base of the rapid and find the trail down to the river. |
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Other IssuesHuge log jams around islands, and at times along the bank. Use caution during higher water with new boaters as these may be in play. |
Fun FactsDam release run that flows year round.
"S-Bends" is known locally as Shovel Spur because a tractor ended up in the rapid during some road work. |
Run Description [Season: Year Round]For the most part the Skagit is an easy class II float through a scenic valley. The run in total really only has three rapids between Goodell Creek and Bacon Creek, but there are numerous class I+/II- riffles. The real hazard for most of the run for beginners will be fighting boil lines near the "S-Bends".
The action starts right off the bat with a II+ rapid just below the putin.
About two thirds of the way through the run you will come to the "S-Bends". The S-Bends are composed of three rapids which would not rate higher than class III on their own, but are class III+ due to their proximity to one another and the potential for longer swims. This can be a good training ground for aspiring beginners, but swims can be scary here for those not used to big water.
Below the S-Bends the gradient slacks off considerably until the take out. There will be one last class II wave train before the take out.
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