Trained volunteers will be stationed at a number of convenient locations along the Skagit River to help you learn more about the largest wintering bald eagle population in the Lower 48. Here is more information to help you plan your visit to the Upper Skagit.

Eagle Watchers volunteers can answer your questions about bald eagles, salmon and the Skagit watershed. They’ll have binoculars and spotting scopes available for your use. Saturday, Dec. 21—Sunday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m.—4 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 26—Friday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m.—2 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 28—Sunday, Dec. 29, 9 a.m.—4 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 30—Wednesday, January 1, 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Then, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Sunday, February 16

Fridays: 10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m.—4 p.m.

Plus Monday holidays:

Jan. 20, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Feb.17, Presidents’ Day

10 a.m.—2 p.m.

Closing day for Eagle Watchers is Monday, Feb. 17

LOCATIONS:

Howard Miller Steelhead Park

Rockport, Washington

Howard Miller Steelhead Park provides excellent viewing of eagles on the Skagit from a bridge that crosses the river as well as a convenient trail along the river. In addition to bald eagles, you can see spawning salmon, or the remains of dead, spawned-out salmon — od source to the eagles. The Park has camping facilities, a boat launch, water and a flush toilet. Don’t miss the Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, located just outside thepark on Alfred Street in Rockport .

Milepost 100 Rest Stop

Highway 20

Directions: Follow directions to Howard Miller Steelhead Park, but stay on Highway 20. Continue past the State Route 530 turnoff another two miles to Milepost 100. You are now approximately 40 miles east of I-5 on Highway 20. The rest stop is on your right.

This rest stop provides wonderful views of the Skagit River and accessible observation opportunities of wintering bald eagles. The wide gravel beds edging the river, and convenient perching branches, make it a perfect spot for eagles to gather.

Marblemount Fish Hatchery, Marblemount

Follow directions to Howard Miller Steelhead Park, but stay on Highway 20. Continue past the State Route 530 turnoff and past the Milepost 100 Rest Stop another six miles to Marblemount. In Marblemount and before the Highway turns sharply to the left, drive straight (east) on the Cascade River Road. Cross the bridge and take the first right onto Rockport-Cascade Road. Turn right on Hatchery Road. The Marblemount Fish Hatchery is a few hundred feet on the left.

This Eagle Watchers site features a trail to see salmon in the Cascade River. Guided tours of the hatchery happen on the weekends at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Bald Eagle Interpretive Center, Rockport

Open Saturdays and Sundays (and Monday holidays) Dec. 21—Feb. 17, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

and Thursday—Wednesday, Dec. 26—January 1, 10 a.m.—4 p.m.

The Bald Eagle Interpretive Center is on Alfred Street in Rockport next to Howard Miller Steelhead Park. It provides a wide variety of information about eagles. The center hosts guest speakers most Saturdays and Sundays throughout January at 11:30 a.m. Guided interpretive walks begin from the center and leave at 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Souvenirs and books are also available for sale. The Interpretive Center is wheel chair accessible and there is also a portable toilet. For more information about the center or the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival (Saturday, Feb. 1—Sunday, Feb. 2) call (360) 853-7614 or visit www.skagiteagle.org

NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK

VISITOR CENTER:

The Visitor Center is located near milepost 120, 14 miles east of Marblemount on Highway 20. Drive past Goodell Creek Campground, milepost 119, and turn right at the sign for the Visitor Center and drive over the bridge. The Center is 1/2 mile from the bridge. If you come to the town of Newhalem, you have gone too far.

For more information about the educational and recreation resources of North Cascades National Park (or simply to warm up!), be sure to plan a stop at the Visitor Center in Newhalem, Washington. The center is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the Eagle Watchers season. It features interpretive displays about the formation of the North Cascades mountain range and the Skagit Valley, native plant exhibits and plenty of hands on exhibits for children. There are restrooms, a souvenir shop and plenty of parking. You can reach the Visitor Center by calling (206) 386-4495.

TRAVEL NOTES:

Roads in the Upper Skagit can be dangerous in the winter because of fog, rain and ice. Drive slowly, especially in eagle viewing areas, and watch carefully for pedestrians crossing the roads.

Parking is permitted in designated areas only.

Please pick up your trash and leave no litter.

While watching wildlife, please do not disturb the eagles or the salmon. Move quietly and avoid loud noises.

For more information about the North Cascades Institute Eagle Watchers program, contact:

Jeff Giesen at North Cascades Institute

(360) 856-5700 ext. 211

jeff_giesen@ncascades.org