Area Information

Marblemount

The junction of the Cascade and Skagit Rivers was a always a natural site for a trading post, and an important one flourished here during the 1890's. Marblemount is rich with the history of the gold rush, and there are buildings still standing from that era. Gold from claims in the North Cascades moved down the trails along the river valleys, and miners and supply pack trains rested and restocked here. At one time there were more than 1,500 miners and prospectors in the area. Permanent residents formed a town.

Looking east from Rockport area towards Marblemount, with glacier draped El Dorado peak in the distance

Marblemount received its name in 1890 from our great grandmother, Matilda Clark Buller, who ran a roadhouse located across the river at Marblemount. One day a miner came into her roadhouse saying "Mrs. Buller, I have just discovered a mountain of marble", and Mrs. Buller said, "then we should name our town Marblemountain". It was later shortened to Marblemount.

The old Mink Ranch just east of Marblemount, across the Skagit River

The old Mine-to-Market road now known as Cascade River Road is a beautiful, primitive drive to view alpine scenery, and gain an insight into what it must have been like to attempt to cross these mountains 100 years ago. The road winds up the Cascade River valley and follows the north fork into the heart of the mountain range. This was the original route that was envisioned by planners who first thought to push a highway across the North Cascades from the Skagit Valley to the Okanogan. The trailhead at the end of the 22 mile drive displays a breathtaking vista of five blue glaciers with waterfalls at the end of each one. From here one must travel on foot across Cascade Pass to the eastern side of the range.

In modern times, Marblemount, still a resting place for travelers crossing the mountains, has attracted a growing number of small business entrepreneurs. Local artists and crafters create unique products using the natural resources of the region.

Bald Eagles

The American Bald Eagle, our national bird that is making a great comeback from the endangered species list, visits us from November to March each year to feed upon the salmon that come up the Skagit River to spawn. These majestic birds, accompanied by some Golden Eagles use the Skagit River as their winter "feeding grounds". In a recent count, there were over 600 spotted along the river banks. January is the month when they are here in greatest concentration.

There are float trips available in Marblemount, and overnight accommodations if needed here at Clark's. We can provide you with a list of the float companies if you request. Marblemount, Rockport and Concrete honor the noble birds with a Bald Eagle Festival usually held during the first weekend of February.

Also at this time of year the Trumpeter Swans and the Snow Geese can be seen in the lower Skagit Valley near Mount Vernon, resting and feeding in the fields before another flight.

Skagit River & Valley

The Skagit River is the second largest river in Washington State, and the largest emptying into Puget Sound. State Route 20 follows the route of Indians, pack trains and pioneer wagons as it passes through the valley along the Skagit's watercourse. The river originates in British Columbia where it can be crossed as a little stream meandering along Route 3 southeast of Hope. After crossing south into the United States, large lakes created behind dams now hold back its rush to the sea.

We are very fortunate to have the resource of the Skagit River with its bountiful water flow. Seattle City Light built Gorge Dam (shown in the picture at the left), the first of three dams to be built to produce hydroelectric power for the city. Construction materials were delivered by rail, the lines extending then to the present site of the town of Diablo. Later this City Light train brought the first sightseers to our area, as Seattle citizens visited the facility that provided their light and power. The construction of Ross Dam followed, and the project was completed with Gorge Dam. To this day the three dams produce power for the city, now interconnected with the Bonneville Power Administration dams on the Columbia. Seattle City Light still has a wonderful tours of its facilities. During the summer you can choose a tour including a wonderful family-style chicken dinner, or a shorter tour without the meal, both available for a very reasonable price. Please check our links page for more information

North Cascades

North Cascades National Park was created in the early 1970's. The complex includes the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, the part occupied by the hydroelectric projects and most of the highway corridor. The National Park areas are true wilderness, accessible only by foot trails. The highway crosses into the NRA approximately seven miles east of Skagit River Resort. The distance from Marblemount to Mazama, the first town on the east side of the mountains, is about 89 miles. There are the remains of old mining claims within the park, and recent archeological studies have found evidence of native transit through these remote regions long before the arrival of white settlers.

Contact

Local telephone: 360-873-2250    Toll-free: 800-273-2606    Fax: 360-873-4077

Postal address

58468 Clark Cabin Road, Rockport, WA 98283 USA

Highway address

Milepost 103.5, North Cascades Highway, Marblemount, Skagit County, Washington, USA