Skagit Wild and Scenic (WA)
Beginning high in the North Cascade Mountain Range, the Skagit Wild and Scenic River winds down steep slopes, through forested hillsides and wide, open valleys eventually reaching Puget Sound. The rivers of the Skagit System (Skagit, Sauk, Suiattle and Cascade) flow through rugged wilderness, forestlands, rural communities, farmlands and cities of the lower Skagit Valley.
This river system provides exceptional year-around paddling opportunities including sections of the Cascade that draw expert paddlers from across the country and sections of the Skagit that provide eagle viewing and a mellow float suitable for the whole family.
While much of the Skagit is protected, the popular whitewater reach from Goodell Creek to Copper Creek has not been designated as Wild and Scenic. Seattle City Light proposed inundating this section of the river for a hydropower project in the early 1980's. While this immediate threat has passed, the river still needs long term protection and we are working to achieve that goal through an effort to designate more rivers in the North Cascades under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Thunder Creek Receives Wilderness Protection (WA)
09/14/2012 - by Thomas O'Keefe
Today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar ensured the long-term protection of Thunder Creek, a tributary of the Skagit River, by administratively designating the river corridor as wilderness. Once threatened by hydropower, this spectacular whitewater resource is now protected as a free-flowing river.
The contacts below include staff and volunteers working on this project. Make sure you are logged in if you wish to join the group.
| Title | Name | City | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas O'Keefe | Seattle WA | Details... |
Documents
Comments on the Gorge Second Tunnel Project (11/19/2010)
American Whitewater recognizes and supports the primary goals of this project.
Skagit Wild and Scenic Comment Letter 30SEP2010 (9/30/2010)
Comment letter from American Whitewater, American Rivers and Washington Wilderness Coalition
Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest Wild and Scenic River Review (4/18/2025)
Complete Appendix E of the Forest Plan that includes the Wild and Scenic River review.
Skagit Wild & Scenic River Eligibility & Suitability Studies (8/18/2010)
This study report evaluates the eligibility and suitability of the Skagit River, from Gorge Dam to the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (NRA) boundary, and its tributaries for inclusion in the Wild and Scenic River (WSR) System.
Ross Lake GMP comments 14DEC2007 (12/14/2007)
AW's request for Wild and Scenic eligibility studies as part of the planning process for the Ross Lake GMP.
North Cascades Wild and Scenic River candidates (4/18/2025)
A memo on rivers in North Cascades National Park and their eligibility for Wild and Scenic designation.
Thunder Creek Wilderness Support Letter (9/12/2012)
Designation of Thunder Creek River corridor as wilderness to protect it from hydropower development.
River Management Plan, Skagit River, Recreation Section (12/31/1983)
Excerpts from the River Management Plan Covering Recreation
Sauk Prairie Road Bridge 414 Replacement Letter (1/4/2006)
Letter expressing interest of American Whitewater in river access at the Darrington Mill River Access site at the Sauk Prairie Road Bridge.
Concept of River Wilderness (4/18/2025)
Essay by AW founder Wolf Bauer on the importance of conserving wild rivers.
Whitewater Boating and River Recreation in the Stillaguamish Valley and Sauk River Watersheds (1/19/2016)
A review of strengths, weakeness, opportunities, and threats to enhancing river access.