Nooksack River

The crown jewel of the North Cascades - the North Fork of the Nooksack River. Home to all five species of native salmon, this river is born at the base of the White Salmon Glacier, high on Mt. Shuksan. After mixing with many side creeks and tumbling over Nooksack Falls, this river's glacial silt-laden water enters the upper gorge of the Nooksack where our trip begins.

Located just south of the Canadian border, the Nooksack River is the best late season run in Washington. Rated as a Class III, it is always an exciting ride. We meet in the town of Glacier at Wild and Scenic's Headquarters.

American Whitewater Description and River Levels

 

Begin your adventure in a primeval canyon dripping with moss. Precise maneuvering is necessary as you slide through the tight and technical rapids in its narrow canyon section. Rapids such as Shark's Tooth, the Nozzle, Turtle Rock, Fir Drop, and Off-Ramp give you the sense of this steep canyon and its fast pace. After leaving the canyon, the valley opens up to provide awesome views of 10,778-foot Komo Kulshan, meaning "The Great White Watcher", but better known as Mt. Baker. Sightings of wildlife such as eagles, deer, and river otter are common throughout the trip but are particularly prevalent in the lower section. Fun, roller coaster waves surrounding the Canyon Creek confluence end your day's adventure on a high note.

Minimum Age: 10 years (with written release from parents or guardians)
Season: May through Fall
Price: Day Trip - $89.00 per person. 10am daily (lunch included)
Half-Day Trip - $79.00 per person. 3pm daily (no lunch)

Directions to the Meeting Place: From I-5 take the Mt. Baker/Sunset Drive exit (#255) out of Bellingham onto State Highway 542 eastbound. Follow 542 East 35 miles to the town of Glacier. Once in Glacier turn left just before the Glacier Ski Shop (look for Wild & Scenic sign on the left side of the road) and drive to Wild and Scenic headquarters at the end of the road.

Wild & Scenic River Tours operates with a special-use permit under the U.S. Forest Service, Sedro Wooley Ranger District. We promote river preservation and forest clean-up projects and are an Equal Opportunity Employer and Recreation Provider.

 

Camping and Accomodations A number of U.S. Forest Service campgrounds are located along the river, such as Douglas Fir, Siver Fir, and Shuksan. They fill up rather quickly on weekends so prepare for an early arrival to get your camping spot.

 

Baker Accomodations
Canyon Creek Chalets
Dislodge at Mt Baker
The Inn at Mt Baker
The logs at Canyon Creek
Mt Baker Cabin Connections
Mt Baker Getaways
Mt Baker Lodging
Mt Baker Cabins