Spectacular Skagit River Eagle Watching in Washington

The Skagit River between the towns of Rockport and Marblemount, Washington, is an ideal area to watch eagles. Between November and January the eagles stop along the Skagit River on their migratory trip from Alaska and coastal British Columbia to rest and feed on salmon.

The Skagit River is about 150 miles long. It originates in southern British Columbia and flows south west through Washington's Cascade Mountains to empty its flow in Puget Sound. The river plays host to five species of salmon and their annual runs to spawn including the Coho, Chum, Chinook, Sockeye and Pink. Between November and January, the Chum salmon are ending their spawning season. Exhausted and worn out from their long journey, the Chum salmon die along the banks of the Skagit River creating a feast for the returning eagles. It is this feast and nature's elegant clean up design that draws spectators from around the world.

Along a ten mile stretch between Rockport and Marblemount, eagles can be viewed either from shore or by boat. Local guide companies offer white water raft excursions down the river and on a good day spectators can count hundreds of eagles. There are a couple of easily accessible viewing points for pulling off the road that are hosted by volunteer eagle experts during the weekends. These hearty folks offer local lore and eagle trivia for the love of the raptors. Sometimes the volunteers bring along telescopes and allow visitors to get a closer look at eagles perched in nearby cottonwood and pine trees. On any given moment they can point out the direction of the nearest eagle and make viewing easier.

Bob, a local enthusiast, told us on a recent visit to eagle gawk that it is best to view early in the mornings up until noon. The eagles feed in the morning and are often easily spotted along the banks ripping apart the dead salmon carcasses. At any time, eagles can be seen soaring the thermal waves. It is a spectacular site to see them sailing in large circles overhead often with their mate. We saw one bald eagle fly down over the road and land in a tree next to the road. It seemed he landed there purposely and was more interested in watching us fool with our cameras and ohs and ahs over his presence. Could the river be known to eagles as a great human viewing sanctuary? It is possible.

So collect the family, cameras and binoculars, dress warmly, be prepared for muddy footing and travel Route 20 to see the eagle spectacle. The route is well marked and dotted with quaint restaurants, gas stations, shops selling Native American and eagle themed crafts. One sign boasts "the most honary tavern in the world." Even if you choose not to leave the warmth and safety of the car, you will surely see some of our national symbols perched long the shores of the Skagit River. Keep an eye out snow geese and rumpet swans are also traveling this route during the same time of year and can be spotted in flocks foraging the local corn fields.