Pets allowed
Allowed
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Located west of Stevens Pass on the scenic Skykomish River, Big Eddy Recreation Site is a small piece of state property often used by paddlers. It is the take-out spot for a popular whitewater run that starts at Sunset Falls and continues 7 miles over a succession of rapids, including the notoriously challenging Boulder Drop. Big Eddy isn't just for paddlers though; picnic tables are available if you are in need of a place to rest on your drive across the Cascades.

The section of river at Big Eddy is a calm respite from the rapids that stretch in both directions. A sandy bank extends into the water, offering a convenient haul-out spot for boats or a place for picnickers to wade in the water. In addition to being a boat launch and picnic area, the site is popular with anglers fishing for steelhead, salmon, and trout.

From the river banks, look north for views of the Highway 2 bridge and beautiful surrounding ridges. If you look south you will see the railroad bridge towering over the water and the disintegrating remains of it’s predecessor standing behind it.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Washington Discovery Pass

Pros

Convenient from highway. Boat launch. Fishing.

Cons

Small.

Features

ADA accessible
Boat ramp(s)
Picnic tables
Fishing

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

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