Skykomish River @ 2400 cfs July 9, 2006

Today was another beatiful summer day in Washington. With sunny skies, temperatures in the low 80's, and plenty of water in the rivers, I had to get out and paddle. The stretch of the Skykomish River between Index and Split Rock is the classic local run and the run de jour.

Our group of 9 kayakers put in on the N. Fork of the "Sky" near the beautiful hamlet of Index. We pulled away from shore and headed downriver with me leading the way, and Dan Ruiz running sweep. Lots of fun class II+ and III rapids dot this stretch of the North Fork before it joins the S. Fork of the Skykomish more than doubling the flow. The second half of the run is not much more difficult than the upper half (excepting Boulder Drop, which is probably class IV or IV- at this level) but it is definitely bigger, "pushier", and more intimidating.

We stopped to scout Boulder Drop on river right and picked our lines. All told, 8 of the 9 paddlers in our group decided to run B. D. with 6 opting to take the Airplane Turn route while Dan and I chose to run Ned's Needle, a 4-5 foot pourover through the "Picket Fense".

Below are a sequence of shots of me running, flipping below, rolling back up in, and paddling away from Ned's.

Another great day on the river! I can't wait to paddle the crystal clear, emerald green waters of the Skykomish again.