Beckler River
The Beckler River is a tributary of the South Fork Skykomish River in the U.S. state of Washington in the United States.
| Beckler River | |
|---|---|
Beckler River at the Beckler River Campground near Skykomish | |
Location of the mouth of the Beckler River in Washington Beckler River (the United States) | |
| Etymology | Elbridge H. Beckler |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Counties | King, Snohomish |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Near Jack Pass |
| • location | Cascade Range |
| • coordinates | 47°52′36″N 121°19′16″W |
| Mouth | South Fork Skykomish River |
• coordinates | 47°42′54″N 121°20′21″W |
| Length | 13 mi (21 km) |
| Basin size | 60 sq mi (160 km2) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | near Skykomish |
| • average | 605 cu ft/s (17.1 m3/s) |
| • minimum | 51 cu ft/s (1.4 m3/s) |
| • maximum | 17,100 cu ft/s (480 m3/s) |
The Beckler River originates near Jack Pass and flows southeast about 5 miles (8.0 km) where it is joined by the Rapid River, its principal tributary. The Beckler then flows generally south for about 8 miles (13 km) to empty into the South Fork Skykomish River.
The upper portion of the Beckler River flows through a narrow, steep, and densely forested valley with slopes rising 4,000 feet (1,200 m) and higher over the valley floor. Over its lower course the river valley widens slightly. In its last half-mile the valley opens out into the South Fork Skykomish valley. The only community in the region is Skykomish.
Nearly all the Beckler River's tributaries, with the notable exception of Rapid River, exhibit steep mountain character with numerous cascades and rapids in narrow channels, boulders, and rocky bottoms. The Rapid River is similar in its upper portion, but moderates in its final 3 to 4 miles (4.8 to 6.4 km). Much of the Rapid River's drainage basin has been logged.
Much of the Beckler River's drainage basin is within the Wild Sky Wilderness, although the main river itself is not. The Rapid River's basin is within the Wild Sky Wilderness and the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Parts of the main Rapid River itself are in both wildernesses. Both wildernesses are part of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Forest Service Road 65, the Beckler River Road, runs north from U.S. Route 2 following the river to Jack Pass and connecting to Forest Service Road 63, the North Fork Skykomish Road.