History of the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival

Since it first began in 1987, the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival has continued to expand its venues to include several small towns nestled in the North Cascade Mountains along the Wild and Scenic Skagit River. The center of activity is still located in the Concrete, Washington School Complex. This year there will be additional programs at the North Cascades Chamber and at the Marblemount Community Club, as well as, the Marblemount Fish Hatchery. There will also be bus trips for eagle watching with the long trip going to the North Cascades National Park.

Many of the original individuals who wanted to share the unique experience of viewing the wintering eagles with education and entertainment are still hard at work. They, as the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival Committee, wish to thank all who helped to make the 18th annual 2005 celebration the best yet and to invite you to join us in making this year’s festival even more exciting. Whether volunteers, vendors, or visitors, it wouldn't fly without you. Come be a part in 2006!

Take a virtual tour down memory lane. Scroll on down to read the Festival history in the annual artwork created by local artists and photographers.

1st Year - November 21, 1987

2nd Year - November 11 & 12, 1988

3rd Year - February 3 & 4, 1990

4th Year - February 2 & 3, 1991

5th Year- -February 1 & 2, 1992

6th Year - January 23 & 24 and 30 & 31, 1993

7th Year - February 4, 5, & 6, 1994

8th Year

February 3, 4, & 5, 1995

"Celebrating the Pioneer Spirit of the North Cascades"

9th Year

February 2, 3 & 4, 1996

"The Skagit: A Place Where Man, Eagles, Trees and Water are Brothers"

Artwork by

Sherry Tolman

10th Year

February 1 & 2, 1997

"Protect the Spirit of the Eagle-Touch the Wilderness Gently"

Artwork by

Wanda Stone

11th Year

January 31 & February 1, 1998

"Eagles and Salmon"

12th Year

January 30 & 31, 1999

"The Upper Skagit: A Sense of Place"

Artwork by

Orion Donovan Smith

Age 10

Part of a

"Community Treasures"

Student Art Project

13th Year

February 5 & 6, 2000

"How It All Fits Together"

Artwork by

Theresa Fisher

14th Year

February 3 & 4, 2001

"Connections"

Artwork by

Theresa Fisher

15th Year

February 2 & 3, 2002

"Spirits of the River"

Artwork by

Andrea Gabriel

16th Year

February 1 & 2, 2003

"Witness the Wonder"

Artwork by

Rita Fox

17th Year

February 7 & 8, 2004

"Return to the River–Freedom's Journey"

Artwork by

Don Smith

18th Year

February 5 & 6, 2005

"Keepers of the River"

Artwork by

Don Smith

Adapted from a Photo by

Frank C. Murdzia