Drift Boat Eagle Tour
Skagit Eagle Tour 3 Hour
This is the famous 'heated drift boat' eagle tour—a delightful way to observe the wilderness of nature on one of the most magnificent rivers on our continent, in the company of migrating and often feeding bald eagles. We use custom-made drift boats equipped with open-flame propane heaters to take the chill off. Low impact and designed with our children, parents, and grandparents in mind. Our 3 Hour Eagle Tour begins in Rockport WA and is our most popular tour.
A Lasting Impression of The Skagit
Skagit River Eagle Tours' 3 hour tour offers a quiet, serene float—a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the Skagit. Whether you're a nature lover or an amateur or professional photographer, this tour will leave you with a lasting impression of the Skagit and the migrating eagles that return every year. We meet at Howard Miller Steelhead Park, where we then transport you up the river by bus to Marblemount, WA. Upon arrival in Marblemount, we launch the boats, ignite the propane heaters, conduct a brief safety meeting, and embark on an 8-mile drift through the Bald Eagle sanctuary. Throughout the tour, our experienced guide will provide information about the eagles, salmon runs, and the intricate roles they play on this beautiful river.
Summary of Trip
Length of trip: 8.9 miles
Normal Season: December-February (depending on Eagle Migration)
Runnable River Level: All levels
River Gauge Used: USGS Skagit River at Nehalem (click here to be directed to hydrograph)
Trip Meeting Location: Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52804 Rockport Park Rd, Rockport, WA 98283
Type of Boat Used: 20’ Koffler Aluminum Drift boats (or similar) heated with propane space heaters throughout
Maximum Number of Guests Per Trip: 22
Minimum Number of Guests Per Trip: 4
Minimum Age: 7 (All minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian, and all minors must be announced at time of booking).
Minimum Weight: 50lbs. (Anyone under 90lbs. requires a specific life jacket so all people under 90lbs. must be announced at the time of booking or at least 3 days prior to trip departure)
River Classification: Class 1-2 (click here to be directed to the American Whitewater page for this section)
Safety Protocol: Non-whitewater section. Swiftwater rescue kits, medical trauma kits, emergency communication device.
Paddles/Helmets Required: no/no
Type of Life Jacket Provided: Type 3 or 5
Duration on the River: 2-2.5 hours
Duration of Complete Trip: 3-3.5 hours
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1pm: Meet your guides at the designated meetup point at Howard Miller Steelhead Park (go to the main parking area near the bathrooms and playground)
1:10pm: Orientation with your guides and trip leaders at the map near the bathroom building (note: this is the last opportunity for a “civilized” bathroom visit)
1:15pm: Load into the transport vehicle (usually a 15 passenger van or an Airporter type Shuttle Bus) and your guides will drive you 8 miles up river to the put in location, located at Marblemount Boat Launch.
1:30pm: Unload out of the transport vehicle at Marblemount Boat Launch. Here your guides will hand out PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices) and go through the trip details with you.
1:40pm: Walk down to the river and load into the boats.
1:50pm: Begin our journey down the Skagit River (protocol section code SK3) in your guided boat; enjoy the ride!
4:00-4:15pm (depending on river flow and speed): Arrive at the take out which is located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park. Here you can say goodbye to your guides (no tears please, this is hard enough as it is), and scurry up to your car which is waiting for you in the parking lot right where you left it.
- Have a nice rest of your day and safe travels -
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Layered Warm Clothing: Be sure to dress in layers to stay comfortably warm. Heavy socks, gloves, and waterproof clothing are essential.
Waterproof Shoes: Anticipate getting in and out of the raft, and plan on stepping into ankle-deep water. Ensure your footwear is waterproof; hiking boots or fishing waders are ideal.
Camera Accessories: Don't forget your camera! Bring a shoulder strap or neck strap to secure it during the journey, ensuring you capture every moment hassle-free.
Rain Gear: Given the frequent rain in the PNW winters, we strongly recommend every guest bring a raincoat and rain pants. Embrace the elements and be prepared to get a little wet. Ponchos are discouraged due to the heaters in the boat. Please avoid umbrellas. While they can be nice for the person using them, the person next to you will feel differently.
Ensuring you're properly attired for the tour is crucial. Your comfort and enjoyment are our top priorities, so come equipped with these essentials to make the most of your experience.
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Because we are under contract to pay our staff, should you have to cancel your trip plans, or seek to reschedule to a different trip, deposits and final payments are non-refundable. Alternate guests are always welcome to come to your place, at no charge. For a detailed explanation of our cancellation policy, click here.
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Driving Directions for Skagit River Drift Boat Tour
From Seattle, take Interstate 5 north to exit 232 (Cook Road). Take a right at the top of the ramp and follow Cook Road to Hwy 20 (about 4 miles). At Hwy 20, take a left and follow to Rockport mile marker 97 (about 30 miles). Take a right at Hwy 530 interchange, and then the next right into Howard Miller Steelhead Park. The entrance to Howard Miller Steelhead Park is our rally point. Click Here For Google Maps
Please arrive at the park 15 minutes early as we will be leaving the park at the scheduled departure time. We are on a schedule and need to be back at the park for the next departure.
Trip FAQs
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