Overnight North Cascades Whitewater Rafting Trip - Sauk & Skagit Rivers

Guided

Duration: 2 days

Bellingham • North Cascades National Park • Bellevue • Seattle

Features

Beginner Friendly

Wildlife

Instant Book

Locally Owned

$795 Person

Description

Guided Overnight Expedition - North Cascades Multi-Day Rafting

On this two-day rafting experience, we'll travel through the stunning landscapes of the North Cascades. This guided overnight expedition takes place on the ancestral homelands of the Salish Peoples, weaving through Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park. You’ll float through majestic old-growth forests, paddle through exhilarating rapids, and camp riverside under a canopy of stars. This experience is designed for those looking to slow down, reconnect with nature, and embrace the present moment.

We'll float through old-growth forests, see the birds, and feel the ancient bedrocks of the Sauk and Skagit Rivers. The Sauk River, known for its crystal-clear glacial melt and dynamic whitewater, winds through remote canyons and offers a thrilling, immersive wilderness experience. In contrast, the Skagit River flows wide and gently through the valley, its turquoise waters flanked by sweeping views of the North Cascades and abundant wildlife, including bald eagles and river otters.

Within North Cascades National Park and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, experience guided scenic nature hikes, interpretive storytelling, scenic river exploring, ecological learning, team building, and more. Along the way, your professional guides will share ecological insights, ancient Salish stories, and their deep knowledge of the land and river.

Camp meals are a highlight of the experience — think sizzling discada fajitas and gourmet dutch oven desserts, all served riverside in a beautiful forest setting. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious first-timer, this overnight rafting journey offers a rare chance to fully unplug and reconnect — with yourself, your group, and the wild river landscape.

Duration

2 Days, 1 Night
Begins at 12:00 PM on Day 1
Ends at 5:00 PM on Day 2
Covers approximately 16 river miles

Location / Where to Meet

Your rafting adventure could meet at Old School Park in Darrington, Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, or Marblemount Boat Launch in Marblemount. Depending on the flow and logistics of the river, the meeting location will be confirmed closer to your trip date. Be sure to check your booking details for the exact meeting spot.

Nearby cities for travel planning:

Seattle: 2 hrs / 100 miles
Bellingham: 1.5 hrs / 65 miles
Mount Vernon: 1 hr / 45 miles

Ages & Requirements

Minimum age: 18 years
Minimum weight: 90 lbs

Guests must be able to swim.

What's Included

Professional river guides & safety equipment
All rafting gear (rafts, PFDs, helmets, paddles)
Gourmet riverside meals, including dinner and breakfast
Shuttle from the meeting point to/from the river

Not Included

Personal camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, pad – rentals available for $50)
Transportation to/from the river
Gratuities for guides
Alcoholic beverages
Personal items (toiletries, clothing, camp pillow, etc.) See packing list below.

What to Bring / Wear

When packing, comfort and preparedness are key. You’ll receive one large dry bag for all your overnight gear and clothing, plus a smaller day-use dry bag for items you’ll want access to on the river—like sunscreen, layers, snacks, or a camera. Be sure to pack light but smart: quick-drying clothing, warm layers for camp, sturdy river footwear, and personal essentials like a water bottle and headlamp. If you don’t have your own camping gear, rental kits are available. For a detailed list of what to bring, check out the detailed packing list in the FAQ below.

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Triad River Tours

FAQs

Is there a minimum number of guests?

Passenger minimum: 4 guests (can be combined with other groups)

What do you typically serve for dinner?

Our most popular dinner option is discada fajitas, a delicious and hearty meal cooked right at camp by your guides using a traditional Mexican cooking method. A discada is a large, round, plow-disc-style cooking surface, traditionally repurposed from old farming equipment, that functions much like a wok. It’s perfect for cooking over an open flame and allows us to sear meats and vegetables together in layers of flavor.

The fajitas are made with a savory mix of seasoned beef, sausage, and vegetables, all cooked in the discada and served with warm tortillas and a variety of fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together around the fire, and it always hits the spot after a day on the river.

Vegetarian and dietary-friendly alternatives are also available—just let us know your preferences ahead of time!

What do you typically serve for dessert?

We love to end the evening with something sweet, and our dessert options are always a highlight around the campfire. Depending on the night, you might enjoy rich chocolate cake, indulgent cupcakes, or our crowd favorite—Dutch oven pineapple upside-down cake.

Baked over the coals in a traditional cast iron Dutch oven, the pineapple upside-down cake is warm, caramelized, and absolutely delicious—a nostalgic treat that tastes even better under the stars. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, we’re happy to accommodate with advance notice!

Please note that the Dutch oven pineapple upside-down cake is unavailable during fire bans.

Should I bring my own camping equipment?

Triad River Tours recommends that you bring your own camping equipment for the ultimate comfort. If you do not have camping gear (tent+sleeping bag) we have freshly laundered “camp kits” for $50 per person that include one sleeping bag, one 2-person tent per pair (2 to a tent if there are more of you), and a simple sleeping pad. The kit does not include a pillow.

When do I need to let you know about dietary restrictions?

Special needs such as dietary restrictions, medical conditions, disabilities, should be announced at least 2 weeks prior to your trip date to give the guide staff time to prepare.

What should I bring?

Camping & Sleeping

Tent (if not renting a camp kit)
Sleeping bag rated to 30°F or lower (if not renting a camp kit)
Sleeping pad (if not renting a camp kit)
Pillow (small/travel style)
Headlamp or flashlight (plus extra batteries)

River Essentials

Swimsuit or quick-dry shorts and top (avoid cotton), or wetsuit
River sandals or shoes with secure heel strap (no flip-flops)
Synthetic or wool base layers
Fleece jacket or mid-layer (for warmth even if wet)
Rain jacket and rain pants or splash gear
Hat for sun protection (with chin strap if possible)
Sunglasses with retention strap
Reusable water bottle (at least 1 liter)

Camp & Layering Clothes

Warm layers for camp: fleece, down jacket, or wool sweater
Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt (for warmth and bug protection)
A beanie or warm hat for evenings
Extra dry socks and underwear
Camp shoes or sandals
Sleepwear
Gloves (especially for spring or fall trips)

Personal Items

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Small towel or camp towel
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Bug spray
Personal medications (including EpiPen/inhaler if needed)
Glasses/contacts plus backup if needed

Optional Nice-to-Haves

Camera (waterproof preferred)
Journal or book
Lightweight daypack for hikes
Personal snacks or special treats

What Not to Bring

Cotton clothing for river time (gets cold when wet)
Unsecured valuables or electronics
Heavy luggage or rolling bags

Gear Rentals

If you don’t have your own camping gear, Triad offers freshly laundered Camp Kits for $50/person. These include:

Sleeping bag
2-person tent
Sleeping pad
(Note: kits do not include pillows or pajamas.)

What is the camping like?

For camping on our overnight rafting trips, we offer two options: roadside access primitive camping or riverside camping. Both options provide a unique experience with stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Roadside access camping is more convenient, with a porta-potty available for comfort. Riverside camping places you even closer to the water, allowing you to fall asleep to the soothing sound of the river, but it comes with a more rustic setup. Both options emphasize Leave No Trace principles to ensure we protect the natural environment.

Do I need to have rafting experience?

No prior rafting experience is required, but you should have the ability to swim.

What class of rapids will we encounter?

The trip involves Class 2-3 rapids or Class 3-4 rapids, depending on the river section.

Can I bring alcohol?

If you wish to bring your own beverages, please feel free to do so in moderation. Beverages will only be available at dinner - no alcohol before rafting to ensure everyone’s safety on the water.

What if the weather is bad?

Our trips run rain or shine!

Can I bring my GoPro camera?

Yes! Indeed. We cannot guarantee availability but some of our helmets have GoPro mounts on them, which you can use.

Is it appropriate to tip our guide?

Yes, it is! 10-15% of the trip cost is standard.

Cancellation Policy

Should you have to cancel your trip plans, deposits and final payments are non-refundable.
Should you arrive after the scheduled meetup time of your reservation, your trip is considered a no-show and is cancelled without refund.
You are welcome to send alternate guests in your place at no extra charge.
If we replace your canceled space(s) with other guests, a cancellation fee is charged - $50 per person for single day trips, and 50% of the total cost of any multi-day trip.
If you feel you may not be able to make your trip please inform us as soon as possible and we can try to find alternate guests.
We offer cancellation coverage for $10 per person, which allows you to cancel or reschedule outside of 24 hours, recouping all trip charges, taxes, fees.