Back in 2017 the local whitewater paddling community rallied to clean up Eagle Falls on the Skykomish River (short film). Ongoing stewardship of the site is necessary and this August American Whitewater is supporting a volunteer-led effort to remove graffiti and clean up the site.

Time: Meet Saturday August 26th at 8am. Later arrivals are welcome but our intent is to secure parking and set up equipment before day users arrive. We will plan to wrap up by early afternoon.

Location: Eagle Falls on the Skykomish River; US Highway 2 near mile post 40 east of Index and West of Baring. <https://goo.gl/maps/XuN8MBXJJVzn535C9>.

What to Bring: We have recruited a team to operate a blaster to remove graffiti but additional volunteers to help move equipment, blasting media, and assist with general site clean up are welcome. Bring your gloves, trash bags, and sturdy footwear. A couple ladders will also likely be useful. Be sure to bring water and snacks.

Support for this Event: Resources to make this event possible have been provided by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington through a grant to Forterra administered as a sub grant to American Whitewater. In addition Astral has made American Whitewater a beneficiary of their Back to Nature Sale (8/25 - 9/4) and pledged proceeds to support supplies for the event.

Additional contributions are welcome to offset costs associated with the event and can be made through a contribution to American Whitewater <https://www.americanwhitewater.org/donate>.

Background

The goal of the Eagle Falls Graffiti Scrub is to take meaningful steps towards transformation of the anything-goes culture at Eagle Falls to a culture of environmental stewardship. This project is aligned with our objectives in the Snohomish watershed to provide sustainable whitewater and flatwater river recreation options in Snohomish County that provide healthy outdoor experiences for residents and visitors of all skills and abilities. 

The Eagle Falls Graffiti Scrub, and associated ongoing efforts, is targeted on the Skykomish Valley’s most visible and accessible natural resource to its natural and pristine condition, with the goal of eliminating the Skykomish Valley’s most visible “broken window.”