pacific nw float trips

Well what shall we say. We booked a 3-hour whitewater trip on the Upper Skagit with Dave online. It turned out to be everything else than adventurous and stole us 5 hours - instead of 3... The promised lunch was some berries and cookies - which were kindly prepared for greatgrandma's teeth by the river water.But let's start at the beginning: I got an e-mail from Dave late in the evening before our trip, saying that we meet somewhere else (a 20-minute road trip away from the original meeting point). Remember: It is not very easy to access e-mails out in the wild with no cellular access... We picked up 2 girls somewhere on the road - they did not read their e-mail *lool*We payed 100 bucks online. Dave offered the trip to some pedestrians for 15 dollars - which afterwards also seemed way to much for us.The best thing about it: Safety was very high! We had to wear some pretty good-looking lifevests - which was definitely not necessary on this tiny little creek. Obviously the were afraid we would be drowning in a puddle...To conclude: Stay away from Dave!

Pacific NW Float Trips had a Groupon offer, and my friends and I each bought a ticket ahead of time. We bought an Upper Skagit whitewater trip -according to the website they met at 10 am at a park. I emailed Captain Dave to book our date and time. He eventually emailed back saying they changed the whitewater trip to the Sauk River at 2:30 and were meeting at the IGA in Darrington...no explanation why, but that worked fine with my schedule so I didn't question it. The day before our trip to Darrington I called to confirm, and Captain Dave informed me that the location changed again back to the Skagit River...and instead of meeting at the park (per the website) they were meeting at the Eagle's Nest motel in Concrete. Thank goodness I called, or we'd have been sitting waiting in Darrington like a bride left at the altar! Captain Dave said NOTHING about a time change, and I let my friends know about the 2nd change in location from Sauk River at Darrington to the Skagit River at Concrete. Later that day I got a voice mail message from Captain Dave. It sounded like he didn't realize we'd just spoken a few hours earlier, because he said that he was calling to confirm four people (we'd booked only 3) for the Middle Skagit float trip (not the whitewater trip) at 10 am (not 2:30 pm) for tomorrow. I panicked! This was not even close to what we'd paid our money for...and since both my friends and I had animal caregivers coming to our homes to take care of pets & horses while we were gone, we'd have to make sure they could come in the morning instead of evening....a major inconvenience! I tried to call Captain Dave back on two different numbers...his personal phone the voice mail box was full, and the other was an answering service where I left a message. I also emailed the company. Of course, no one responded, although I waited all day and tried both numbers multiple times. Finally, the evening before our rafting 'adventure' I went ahead and made arrangements with my friends and the animal caregivers for us to make it to the morning 'float trip' down the middle Skagit, thinking that we were at least expected there and wouldn't lose out on our Groupon's cost. The raft trip the next morning was relaxing (no white water) and pleasant...although we didn't see any wildlife like I'd hoped. The rafting company employees were nice, but the equipment was pretty scruffy and the raft had to be hand pumped up halfway through the 3 hour float trip. Captain Dave had a quirky personality, but he looked like he'd just returned from a 3-day drunk. Pretty rough around the edges, but a personable guy. Actually, I really enjoyed being on the river, but was thoroughly disappointed in the Pacific NW company and how they do business. I wasn't the only one who ran into the same problems with booking either; there were two others who had the exact same experience with the locations and times being changed with no clear communication. Others were very disappointed as well....three ladies and two guys actually demanded to leave the group early ---they were mad about the way everything was being run and got a ride back halfway through the trip. Overall, I enjoyed the river but next time I'll find a more reputable company to go rafting with.

If you want to lose your money, a good way is to book a tour with Captain Dave. A group of friends and I have been wanting to visit the North Cascades for a long time. We finally were able to coordinate our schedules, and decided we would spend one day on a raft trip. I should have first checked the reviews, but in my haste I instead contacted Captain Dave. It took multiple mails and follow up calls before he finally responded. We made arrangements and i prepaid with my credit card.Well, the big day arrives, and guess what, Captain Dave is a NO SHOW. We waited around for 90 minutes. We called his cell phone, but his voice mailbox was full. The number on his web site has also been disconnected or not in service. We asked around and found out that we are not the only one Captain Dave has stiffed. The other reviews on this site are proof positive. Net is there is nothing positive to say about the experience. The title of this review says it all.

If we could rate this guy a ZERO we would. If we had the read the reviews on TA and Yelp ahead of time we would not have booked a trip with Captain Dave of Pacific NW Float Trips. Apparently there were at least two other parties that were stood up this week in addition to us. The scenario sounds the same: "Wait for me at the Shell station in Marblemount and I'll meet you there." Well, the guy was a no show and persistent phone calls to his business went unanswered, and voice messages were not returned. After inquiring with some of the locals about Captain Dave there wasn't one person that had a good thing to say about him. When our hotel owner found out we were going to use Captain Dave he had a smirk on his face and said "tell me how that works out for you." We didn't know at the time that he was predicting the worst for us. Fortunately for our group we were in the area to do other things and we were also able to book a same-day float trip with Alpine. They were GREAT! After reading about some of the safety concerns from other reviews, and from what some some of the locals told us, it was probably a blessing in disguise that he didn't show up for us.

I originally booked the trip after hearing the positive experience from a friend of mine after he and his son took a trip. Our guide, Donavan, was great, great at pointing out highlights, getting my 12 year old daughter involved with steering the boat and taking some great photos as well as cracking some good jokes. He kept us engaged and involved the entire trip. My wife also came along and felt absolutely relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed the trip and what turned out to be a fantastic weather day as well. The only thing I can think of is that PNW Float Trips could be a bit more clear on whether or not to bring lunch. My wife and I had got the impression prior to coming out there would be something to eat midway through however, that was not the case. I'd definitely recommend the trip, just pack some water and some snacks to chow down on at the midpoint..

When we booked our Zodiac Adventure Float Trip, we understood we would be starting in Mt. Vernon and our trip would include lunch. That didn't happen. Instead, we started our trip in LaConner and toured the waters south and south east of town, and there was no lunch included. We had two bird enthusiasts on board, which really enhanced our trip because they named all the birds we saw, and we found a beach with a family of at least eight seals. Even though it wasn't what we expected, it was still a lovely trip and we would go again.

Up from Arizona visiting family. Purchased trip direct from Captain Dave. Was a great time. Guides Joe and Donovan were very informative and funny. Definitely recommend pacific new float trips. Nothing fancy but exactly what we were looking for. Would do it again in a heart beat.

Yet another misguided adventure from Cap'n Dave. Through Amazon Local, I signed my wife and I up for a "survival course," where we'd learn a bit about wilderness survival concepts, practice some primitive firebuilding, and forage some edible plants. From the brief description it sounded like fun. I'm already a bit of a survival enthusiast, and my wife and I both like spontaneous adventures.Well - sign up for one of Dave's trips if you like spontaneity! My first clue was trying to navigate his web page, which seems like three or four companies all enmeshed in a web of HTML. I called him to confirm reservations, and he told me our meeting location had changed from a vague location in Rockport to the IGA market in Darrington. Cool - shorter drive. Then he says,"Yeah, we'll be putting you in a boat and going downriver a bit to an island, where we'll get out and do the survival skills part." Hmmm - now this doesn't quite jibe with the description, but I'm game. Not sure how you'll get a 3 hour course completed if you mess around with boats, shuttles, etc, but we'll play along.Comes the day of the big event. It's raining and nasty on our drive from Monroe to Darrington, via Granite Falls and the Mtn. Loop Highway. Great weather for survival training - makes fire building even sketchier! Great. We do a short hike out to the Big Four Ice Caves, and continue driving to arrive at the IGA on time. Here we find another group of folks, waiting for their 2 PM raft trip. Then a bus pulls up with Pacific NW Float Tours on the side. This must be our guys. But none of the other folks there are on a survival class, and there are only two guides. How are they going to split us up? Turns out one of the other couples had started the morning in La Conner - over an hour away - signed up for a salt water bird watching tour. Another family group had filtered in from as far away as SoCal. Everyone was nice and the group congealed well. The guides, Joe and Donovan were friendly and seemed knowledgeable.The safety briefing was, well, brief. Don't fall out of the boat. If you do, remember you're still having fun. Even if you're hypothermic. Rafts looked serviceable. Lifejackets seemed okay. Didn't sign any liability waivers - which I thought odd. You can't buy a cup of Espresso these days without having to sign a waiver. Maybe Cap'n Dave figures if there's no record of you on his trip, if you pitch overboard and wedge under a rock somewhere, he can claim you were never on the boat?After a short shuttle, we all launch off into the lower Sauk, which is running pretty good. My wife, a bit nervous about rafting whitewater on what was supposed to originally to be a land-locked trip asks about the class of water we'll be running. "Well, it's mostly Class 2, but probably some Class 3." Hmmm again, not exactly in our expectations, but we'll see what happens. After the first wave train, everyone has loosened up and wetted down a bit, and we're actually having fun. Donovan is piloting our boat, and is a great source of local info. We spin the boat around frequently to get a good view of kingfishers, ospreys, hawks. Etc.After a few river miles, I'm wondering where the survival part kicks in. Finally Joe and Donovan beach both boats on a little gravel bar. They bring out an ice chest. Somehow, I'm thinking that either the whole crew is getting survival training, or nobody is. The guides kick around some sticks and other flotsam on the gravel bar and mention that, in a survival situation, you might get this to burn. I pull out my little backpack - containing a bunch of gear - and actually apply some skills to start a fire. I'm carving a feather stick, and the guides start narrating to the group what I'm doing. Then I pull out some tinder and a fire stick and make some sparks. Everyone is impressed, while I'm muttering that I hadn't really expected to be teaching the class. We get a tiny little fire going - the SoCal kids are enjoying that.The guides explain that you can chew on willow bark, and point out some other edible weeds growing in the gravel. They open the cooler to dole out a couple bottles of water and what appear to be pull-dated discards from the snack aisle at the IGA. Peanut butter crackers and oreos don't build much energy on a cold, rainy day. Fortunately we'd brought our own food and shared some of that out.Then we load up and continue down the river - thoroughly enjoyable float trip to the take out. We learn a bit more native American lore and see more critters and plants. Joe and Donovan bring us safely to shore and we all depart - and the other couple and we head off to the local brewery to stand outside in a downpour to sample diluted, somewhat bitter brewskis.Did we have an enjoyable trip? Sure - it was actually fun - probably a 3 or 4 rating, once we dismissed the notion that we'd actually be doing anything resembling what we paid for. We liked the guides, we liked our boat-mates, and the other family was fun too. Scenery is spectacular and the rafting was great - best I've ever done on a survival course.But beware the bait and switch. I think the poor guides must suffer greatly from their boss's managerial incompetence. Donovan gave us a handwritten voucher for a "free" survival course at the time of our choosing, as he told us that this was a new offering and they hadn't quite sorted it out yet. I'm reluctant to try it again, even for "free" - but then on the other hand, it might be interesting to see where it takes us; maybe paragliding in the North Cascades or Orca-hunting in Lake Union? Just remember, whatever it is, you're supposed to be having fun!

We met Capt Dave under the Rainbow Bridge and he took us on his Zodiac (seats 4 passengers) on 3 bodies of water in 3 hours! Don't go over the bridge, if you are going on one of his tours because it is Indian reservation land in that direction. Instead, pull into the Pioneer Park just before the bridge on the left. He met us under the bridge at 10 AM. You will find a coupon for his tours with light snacks for about half price on Living Social, Groupon and Amazon. (he provided us fried chicken, fresh strawberries and York peppermint patties). Dress in layers as it can get chilly, even in the summer time. Capt Dave was a former school teacher, so he is up to date on the area and very informative. We saw a salmon farm & cannery, and plenty of wildlife like eagles, seals and more--photographers, birdwatchers and tourists will love it. Be sure to walk the charming downtown La Conner area afterwards for shopping or a cup of tea, coffee or ice cream. There are public restrooms available in town. It is enjoyable to pass the day in La Conner on both water and land and great value for the money with the coupons. Tipping is appreciated!

My husband and I bought the groupon for a Class II and III white water rafting trip. We had to change our reservation date and Captain Dave was very accommodating and let us know about the change in time and location well in advance. We met Captain Dave, Donovan, and Dave in the IGA parking lot and headed out with a large group. The guides were helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. We hit some great rapids right away and then after about an hour and a half on the river took a break for a light snack and bathroom break (Captain Dave drove us back to the IGA to use a real bathroom). Then our guides offered to either take us back up to do the same run again or continue down the river on a slower float trip. We picked the latter and had a great and relaxing second float for another hour and a half. Dave was our guide and he was great-- he is an expert on the area and knew all there is to know about the Sauk and Skagit Rivers. We will be back to do the Class III and IV trip and the Eagle Watching Trip in the winter!

Seems Capt. Dave is up to his tricks still. We purchased a group on for a class 3 class 4 rapids white water trip. We ended up getting a lazy river cruise. This is how this ran: 9am meeting time @ Howard Miller Steelhead Park. Drove there and called for the exact meeting place within the park. Capt. Dave says the meeting has moved to Eagles Nest Motel at 10. Drive there and meet our guides Joe and Donovan. Both gentlemen were there and we waited for additional people who would be attending the ride. 9 of us (11 with guides) set out about 1030 for one of the most scenic river rides you will ever take. Joe and Donovan were very good and knowledgeable with the river, edible plants and wildlife. They did an awesome job. We didn't encounter any rapids on this ride though, and I feel Capt. Dave knew this because this river is controlled by a dam. I made sure to tip our guide, but I will be getting back with groupon regarding the trip we got. Capt. Dave, you need to give people what they want! Thanks Joe and Donovan for the great "lazy river" ride.

Booked a bald eagle trip for a group of 4 in Late January. I called the week before to confirm the trip - which he confirmed. We arrived a half an hour early and checked in. Time to board the bus. About 40 people trying to board a 20 passenger bus. No room at the inn. "Sorry folks you'll have to follow us to the put in in your car." We asked them to please wait because we had a 5 yr old in tow and not moving fast. We walk to the other end of the park where our car was and drove to where the bus was only to find it left. We were left to guess where to go. We drive down the highway to catch up with the bus where it then pulls over to another park where apparently more people are meeting. Captain Dave walks up and tells me he's overbooked and doesnt have enough space so our group of 4 will have to wait until the noon trip where he has more room. We have dinner plans in Seattle so that's not an option. I then overhear Dave asking a young guy if he thinks he can get a boat down the river. My feeling of personal safety quickly feeling threatened. Captain Dave then walks around trying to find others to push back. No dice. We drive to the put in. When the life jackets are handed out there aren't enough and the ones we do get wouldnt float someone half my size (I am 5'8, 150). There was no one accounting for number of passengers or liability waivers which led me to wonder if I fell in if they'd even notice or look for me. As the overloaded boats are put together, we decided to hold off for our safety. It's clearly not.... It was so disorganized and unsafe. If you're looking for a float trip on the skagit, pay the money for chinook or blue sky and you will not be disappointed. This company is a joke.

I have read many of the complaint reviews below and I agree with them, so I will not repeat them. I would like to add that I do not think these trips are safe at all. I am not a safety nut but I can't really believe this business is able to get and keep their license. Our trip included 4 rafts, each with around 8 to 9 people on each. At one point during our float we realized one of the boats was no longer behind us so we waited for awhile. It was then that our guide told us there was no way to reach the other boat. They had no radio between boats (cell phone coverage is not reliable on much of the river). I then asked if there was a first aid kit on the boat. No there was not. Was there a rope or a way to assist someone if you fell over? No there was not. I realize this trip is a float and certainly not dangerous. However you do sit up on the edge of the raft and we had one person on our raft who nearly slipped in. We were on the river for 3 hours in the rain. We did see eagles, but I would never use this tour company again. They are very unprofessional and disorganized. That is fine is everything goes well, but what if something goes wrong?

We decided to skip the crowds and go on a Monday morning the 3rd week of December. It was worth taking the day off of work. We were the only ones we ever saw on the river and we saw tons of eagles. Our guide, Dave, stopped several places to show us different things and let us get out and stretch our legs. He was really knowledgable about the area and the river since he grew up there. We will definitely do this again especially since I got a new telephoto lens I need to break in. Don't forget to tip your guide!

We just got back from our rafting and canoeing experience with Captain Dave and his crew of Joe, Robbie,Slo(w). All of these guys were great, very hospitable, thoughtful, encouraging and funny with Captain Dave (a man after my own humor). We had a great group of people that made it a good trip. Maybe these other reviewers were in the company of not so great people, but you can't go wrong with Dave, Joe and Slo(w). They have a wealth of experience and are so knowledgeable about the area as well as rafting and canoeing. Give them a chance. I think you will leave after a great time.