OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
T
he Skykomish River is an adventurer’s paradise, vastly treasured by those who live near it, fish in it and recreate on it. The state-designated scenic waterway is well-known for its recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, fishing and sheer loveliness. The north and south forks of the Skykomish are enveloped by wilderness areas, parks, hiking trails and private property, offering some of the most breathtaking whitewater rapids, interspersed with spectacular waterfalls, serene stretches and glassy pools. We’ve collected some of the most popular Skykomish River access sites for your exploration and enjoyment. It is important to always remember that the Skykomish River is a one-of-a-kind waterway! Always consult with experts prior to braving its flows and always employ “Leave no Trace” principles at its access sites. If you pack it in, remember to pack it out!
BEN HOWARD Ben Howard Road Monroe
Roughly two miles east of S.R. 203 or Ben Howard Road, this river access site is located on the north side of Ben Howard Road. It features a concrete boat launch managed by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and requires a Discover Pass. This site is a hot spot for salmon, steelhead and trout fishing, and can be used as a put-in or take-out location for paddlers, floaters and drift boaters. The Ben Howard boat launch is located roughly eight miles downstream from Sultan’s Sportsman Park. A Discover Pass is required at the Ben Howard boat launch. n For more information about the BEN HOWARD BOAT LAUNCH, please visit: wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/water-access-sites/30543
LEWIS STREET WATER ACCESS Lewis Street Boat Launch, S.R. 203, Monroe
Located directly west of the Lewis Street Bridge, Lewis Street Park is the oldest park in the Monroe Parks System. Guests seeking river access will find a large parking lot located to the south, which features a boat launch operated by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Lewis Street access site offers salmon, steelhead and trout fishing, and is a popular take-out site for paddlers and boaters adventuring down the river from Big Eddy or Sportsman Park in Sultan. A Discover Pass is required at the Lewis Street boat launch. n For more information about Lewis Street, please visit: monroewa.gov/ facilities/facility/details/Lewis-Street-Park-9.
THE SKYKOMISH BALLPARK West of U.S. 2 mile 49.8, Skykomish The Skykomish Ballpark is a hidden gem tucked discreetly off of U.S. 2 east of the town of Skykomish and south of Beckler Road. The Skykomish Ballpark opens for the summer season in May, offering a ball field, campground, picnic tables, fire-rings, covered outdoor kitchen and river access. In the late summer months when temperatures are high and river levels are low, this is a great opportunity for casual river-users to explore the roughly four-mile stretch of river that extends from the ballpark to the Money Creek Campground downstream. Note: Floaters, paddlers and boaters should be aware of Eagle Falls, a Class 5+ rapid located approximately five miles downstream from Money Creek in the Baring area. n For more information about the SKYKOMISH BALLPARK, please visit: skykomishwa.gov/parks.
Choose Monroe
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MONEY CREEK CAMPGROUND
U.S. 2 west of the highway tunnel at mile 46 Skykomish Managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS), the Money Creek Campground is open from May through September, offering camping (both tent and RV), bathrooms, picnic tables, drinking water and river access. Out of the 24 available campsites, four are ADAcompliant. The Money Creek Campground is serenely positioned on the banks of the south fork of the Skykomish River, which begins east of the town of Skykomish. The campground is great for hiking, exploring and enjoying the beauty of the Mt. BakerSnoqualmie National Forest. Note: Floaters, paddlers and boaters should be aware of Eagle Falls, a Class 5 rapid located approximately five miles downstream from Money Creek in the Baring area. Eagle Falls is a Class 5+ rapid that drops roughly 25-feet in a furious flurry of whitewater. Lands managed by the USFS typically require a USFS Northwest Forest Pass. n For more information on Money Creek and which passes may be required, please visit: fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/ recreation/recarea?recid=17930 &actid=29
