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The Skykomish River starts its trio of large, frothy waterfalls with a thunderous cascade in a steep sided gorge, right next to the highway. Data I encountered (I think from the WDFW but I can't remember) placed the height of the falls at 22 feet. I recently measured it at 18 feet, but that was at high flows when much of the falls were flooded over. These falls themselves are not terribly interesting, but since they are located immediately next to the road, it's easy to reach, and when the river is running even moderately high, it's an impressive stretch of whitewater. The real attraction here, however, is the gorge and world-class swimming holes. Downstream of the falls, the granite bedrock has been sliced and thrust upwards, creating some very cool patterns in the water. At the mouth of the gorge is a huge pool, bigger than some named lakes I know of, which is a great place for swimming on a hot summer afternoon. Because of the nature of the gorge, Eagle Falls is another waterfall with the tendency to, at least in part, submerge itself when the river is running at its peak. During such levels, the falls become a long, flat, white fluffy flume. As the river subsides for the year, the falls become more defined.
- EAGLE FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall.
Following US Highway 2 east from Monroe and Sultan, proceed to a large turnout, approximately 2 miles east of Index, where the South Fork Skykomish River parallels the road. You should see a sign that identifies the area as Eagle Falls. There are trails down to the gorge below the falls, as well as up to the top. The best views, in my opinion, are from just off the shoulder of the highway, immediately adjacent to the falls.
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