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 Washington State public lands parking permit. Starts July 1, 2011. Supports our parks. |
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Contents Descriptions Location This particular Skagit River paddle is located is just off I-5 in the Conway Fir Island are of Skagit County in Washington State. There are many locations to choose from to paddle in this vicinity. Check the map provided. Paddle Route See the launch section for details. From the launch this paddle goes up the South Fork of the Skagit to the tip of Fir Island where the main Skagit River splits into the North and South Skagit Rivers. Conditions Varies with weather of course. River levels are affected by the dams up the river, spring and other run off, as well as the tide. The launch is more or less in the Skagit River Delta area which has tidal influence. Warnings The usual like wind, weather. The river flows faster when the tide is ebbing and out. There is plenty of underwater hazards brush along the shoreline as well as debris lining the waters edge like rock and old cement used to make the dikes that line both sides of the waterway. Some powered watercraft will roar past so be prepared for some wakes once in a blue moon. Nature Eagles and other birds in summer. The region is famous for thousands of snow geese, swans and other birds that over winter on Fir Island and other Skagit County places. On clear days there can be views of Cascade foothills as well as Mt. Baker looming over the farmlands as you approach in the fossil fuel dinosaur. Paddle Ramble Paddling Conway to North Fork Skagit River can be a good thing if you are in good condition or seek to be. In other words paddling upstream is going to take some time and energy. Of course you can go as far as you can and then more or less float back. Not sure what the speed of this class one no rapids river is. But there is a fairly strong current. This is not recommended for inexperienced and out of condition paddlers. Of course you could start up river at one of the many put-ins listed in the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife water access sites in this area of the Skagit River. Floating down river is not as easy as it sounds. Safety is a big consideration. The river has hidden underwater hazards and the current can drive you into and flip you over. Or the current can ram you into the brush or dike fill along the shoreline. Get the picture? You might want to go with a guide that can help you understand some of the many obstacles that you might face when paddling a river like the Skagit. Back to paddling upstream from Conway to the tip of Fir Island where the main Skagit River splits in two and forms, yup, you guessed it, Fir Island. On the northwest side of Fir Island is the North Skagit River and on the east side, where this paddle takes place, is the South Fork of the Skagit. Check the map and see what I am rambling about here. You can paddle from here all the way up to ... or stop where you want and float back. There are several put-ins along the river upstream. Skagit City on Fir Island is the first put-in you can reach. The next put-in is Spud House next to a potato plant south of Mt Vernon. There are two more put-in locations on the west side of the river in Mt. Vernon. Check out the link to the WDFW site above. With more then one vehicle or a bike to ride back to the dinosaur that brought here to the water. Leave a bike at an upstream put-in and then peddle, yes not paddle, back to get the vehicle or vice a versa depending on if you go up or go down or both. The water is COLD. It comes from Canada, snowfields and glaciers. Brrrr can be the word of the day. The color is sort of white because of the glacial slit. There is brush, some rock and other debris used to build dikes on both sides of the river. In spots, depending on the water level, there are large sandy areas one could call a bar or a beach. If it is sunny lay around and enjoy yourself if you want. This can be a year round paddle if you are prepared for the COLD and wet. Of course the water level goes up and down because of run off and the many dams that control the flow plus the tides. The river level can go pretty high and flood farm lands and other places in the area. See the picture of the water level gauge that is in the parking lot at the launch. So the advice is not to get in the Skagit when it is roaring at high levels. Tides effect the river levels and the speed of the river going down stream. The effect can be felt all the way to Mt Vernon. So when you get up the river you might be surprised to find out the river is not flowing as fast as you thought on the way up. That is because this baby is backing up from the force of the tide making it rather constipated until low tide returns.
Contents Provisions Bring what you need or get fuel and some grub in Conway. There are two quikee type marts opposite at the main intersection in town. If you're into a sit down food thing, try the local eatery the Conway Pub. Unless you have figured out the best time to paddle can be off seasons like fall, winter, and spring, there are several farm stands in the area. Each features good clean fruits and veggies to feast on if you are into such things. If not head to a quikee mart and get some fast food. The one on the north side of the main intersection has good home made rice krispies treats oh and a wine tasting room. Wine after paddling. Check out the farm stand near the entrance to the put-in. Then head up to Mother Flight Farm not far from the launch for some serious treats. Actually you paddle past this farm but it is up over the dike and you can not see it. Need a sign on the dike. Actually the dike people don't want people on the dike. Sorry. There are tons of blackberries in the parking area in August and later. Yummmmm
Contents Accommodations There are probably sll sorts of places to stay in the area. Do a Google search for places to spend the night. For some budget camping, cabins, yurts, RV and hostels, check out Paddle Heaven's Skagit County map and Skagit County page of links as well as Paddle Heaven's Camping cabins and more. I didn't tell you this but I suspect some people have probably camped along the river at one time or another if you get the hint. The question is, where are you gonna leave the dinosaur killing the eart, that brought you here? Hmmmm Ask in town?
Contents Additional Information  Deliverance rating. Not too many crazies hand out at this launch. That is because people from the bridge can see them doin their dirty work or maybe it is their job.Tranquility Ranking 4 to 5 out of possible 5. Pretty good on my meter. Try finding a peaceful place to paddle on a hot summer day without tons of people and noise. One way to up the tranquility ranking besides taking Valium, until a National Day of Silence, no fossil fuel noise, try hearing protection. This paddle area on the South Fork of the Skagit River from Conway north is good. Once you get upstream a ways from the bridge there is not much noise unless a boat or a farmer is working a field. There are some jets once in awhile from, yup, you guessed it, the war machine on Whidbey or Boeing testing some new gadget. Fishing Reports, Stocking Reports & Fish Counts from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Things your need to know. Read Me disclaimer, warnings, paddle at your own risk.
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See some of the weather conditions in Washington State by viewing Web Cams in diffefrent locaitons before you head out paddling.
Approximate distance from:
GPS: 48.341460,-122.350483
Region: Skagit County
Overall rating:
5 paddles.
Launch rating:
5 paddles.
Parking: Free parking at the launch area. Washington State public lands parking permit
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Last Update: 02.25.11 5:54pm