Skagit River Bald Eagle Natural Area
Skagit River Bald Eagles
Hundreds of bald eagles gather along the Skagit River each winter to feed on spawned salmon. You can watch from the shore or join a float trip.
From December through February each year, hundreds of bald eagles migrate south from Canada and Alaska and gather along the Skagit River between Marblemount and Rockport. They feed on chum salmon that have died after spawning. This is one of the largest wintering grounds for bald eagles in the contiguous United States. You can watch them through spotting scopes at the Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport or at viewing spots along Highway 20. You can also join a float trip on the calm stretches of river to see the eagles. A bald eagle festival is often held in late January.
Opening hours
All day (Dec–Feb)
Nearby sights
- Artist Point (Mount Baker)
- North Cascades Visitor Center
- Hidden Lake Lookout
- Trail of the Cedars
- Ladder Creek Falls
- Gorge Creek Falls
- Thunder Knob Trail
- Cascade Pass Trail