January 26-27 is the last weekend of the 2013 Skagit Eagle Festival. The last counts of the bald eagle population in the valley was 121. For bald eagle counts, visit the Skagit Eagle Watchers.
The city of Concrete is about 1.5 hours north of Seattle, via I-5 and Highway 20. The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center is 8 miles further in Rockport. Both of these areas are great for seeing the eagles, and participating in Festival Events.
There are 3 viewing areas manned with voluteers along, hosted by the Washington Forest Service. These areas are Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, Mile Post 100 along Highway 20, and the Marblemount Fish Hatchery.The volunteers are trained in bald eagle knowledge, and can answer questions.
There are float trips down the Skagit, to bring visitors closer to the bald eagles. Visitors will see the eagles fishing, eating, roosting and more.
On Saturday, the Historical Theatre in Concrete will host Bird Photography Simplified by Tim Boyer, and Bears, Wolves & Cougars, Oh My! by Rose Oliver. There will be a Hay Ride with hot chocolate and a bon-fire at the Ovenell’s Heritage Inn & Double O Ranch. Challenger Ridge Vineyard & Cellars will host Tribute to Eagles, a music event.
The Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. There will be guided walks at 11 am, and a speaker at 1 pm. This Saturday's speaker is Matt Riggins. He will be speaking on "Tales and Trails around the Darrington District." For more information about the Center, visit their website.
On Sunday, visitors will be treated to Tlingit dancing and singing. The Haandei i jin: Alaska Native Dance Group will give a special perform at the Historic Concrete Theatre.
For more information about events in the Skagit Eagle Festival, visit their website.
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