Big Eddy Skykomish River Access
Big Eddy is a popular roadside spot off Highway 2 near Gold Bar, where families flock on warm days to splash in the clear waters of the Skykomish River. Enroute to Stevens Pass, it’s the kind of kid-friendly swimming hole that makes an easy summer stop—no long hike required.
With its wide riverbank and gentle currents in some areas, Big Eddy is a favorite for quick dips, rock skipping, or simply letting the kids wade while you relax and take in the mountain views.
Big Eddy Guide – Things To Do
1. First impressions
The first thing that will hit you once you get there is the beautiful turquoise green color of the water. And then you will wonder how come you never noticed this place before while driving by Hwy 2.
At first, you may get alarmed by the crowds and get tempted to turn back. But once you walk a away from the main entrance to the river (to the left or the right), you will find ample spots by the river that will allow you to maintain social distance from other families around.
2. River Access
Since it was our first time, we walked around a bit for a couple of mins to explore some socially distant spots before we settled on a secluded sandy beach and perched our shady umbrella.
Highly recommend carrying an umbrella or a portable beach tent for some shade if you want to maintain distance from the naturally shaded areas that will be popular among families.
The water is COLD so best for swimming on a hot summer day.
3. Sandy Beach and River Bed
The sandy beach area was covered in shallow water which was perfect for our toddler to play in safely. Kids will play with stones, sand, water or whatever is in front of them when outdoors! Our toddler was fully occupied for the one hour we were by the river, with the few beach toys we had.
There is a rocky bed in the middle of the river which is very easily accessible from the shore and where people will perch their chairs and just sit enjoying the sun and the water.
What really frames this place beautifully are the two Skykomish river bridges across the river – one being a railway bridge and the other being Highway 2.
4. Swimming in Skykomish river
It is tempting to swim to the the opposite end of the river which looked easy and doable. But there were signs in the parking lot advising against swimming across the river as the currents are known to be strong and cold and some folks have died here.
We didn’t see anyone crossing across the river to the other side of the shore so didn’t venture that far. But swimming in the calmer part of the river is still a lot of fun. There were many families out with their floats!
5. Add a short Highway 2 Hike nearby
If you want to make Big Eddy more than just a river stop, pair it with one of the easy family-friendly hikes nearby. Heybrook Lookout is a great option if your kids are up for a short but steady climb with a big view at the top. Deception Falls is even easier — a quick waterfall stop with bridges, forest, and river views right off Highway 2.
I like this combo because the hike gives kids a little adventure first, and Big Eddy becomes the reward after: snacks, river play, rock skipping, and relaxing by the water.
Pair Big Eddy With a Kid-Friendly Hike
Pair your Big Eddy river stop with Heybrook Lookout or Deception Falls, then let kids celebrate the adventure with a matching trail sticker.
Getting to Big Eddy
Big Eddy Directions
Big Eddy Public Water Access is located on Highway 2 aka Stevens Pass Highway, about 1 hour drive from Seattle.
Once you enter Highway 2 near Monroe, WA, continue east. After you pass the town Goldbar, in ~2.5 miles you will see a board for ‘Big Eddy public water access’ to your right and that’s where you will turn in.
Big Eddy Parking
Discover Pass required. There is big parking lot by the river access.
Tips for Visiting Big Eddy
Things We Carry
We’ve tested these essentials on our own trips and recommend them in every riverside post we write—for good reason!
- Water Shoes for the Whole Family – Seattle rivers are rocky, slippery, and COLD—even in summer! A solid pair of water shoes protects little feet (and grown-up toes) from cuts and slips. I use Teva which work as hiking, summer and water shoes for me. Kid alternates between Crocs and water shoes as they size up.
- Microfiber Towels – Bulky beach towels don’t cut it when you’re juggling gear for the whole family. These compact, quick-drying microfiber towels save space and dry fast. It is one of our most used items we carry on every trip.
- Water Toys – A few simple toys and water guns go a long way to keep kids entertained.
- Pop-Up Shade Tent and Hammock – A portable tent creates a home base for naps, snacks, or diaper changes. Hammock is my relaxation station while kids play.
- Ready to go “Water Day Bag” – We keep most of the above packed in one dedicated adventure tote. When a sunny day hits Seattle, we just grab-and-go. It’s a game changer.
Estimated Activity Time
You can estimate ~1-2 hours for this activity if you plan to go swimming on a hot summer day.
Add 1 hour drive one-way from Seattle or 2 hours roundtrip. So a total of 3-4 hours for a day trip from Seattle.
Kid and Family Trip Report
- Infants (upto 1 year) – Very easy for parents to carry in a carrier. Take your umbrella to protect your kid from the heat or any adverse weather conditions.
- Toddlers (1-3 years) and above – Manageable for toddlers and early walkers to enjoy on the small patches of sandy beaches and shallow waters. The currents are calm and safe for young kids.
- Pre-school (3-5 years) and above – Can probably enjoy more independently in a float with adult supervision.
- Families – Easily accessible for family members of all age groups, including older parents.
Amenities
- Restroom facilities – available at parking lot.
- Cellular network – available
Food
Not available at the location, but you will find plenty of options in driving distance.
Espresso Chalet on Highway 2 is a popular stop for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and the most amazing views of Mt.Index and Bridal Veil Falls.
Another stop worth making is at Sultan bakery which is open till 8 PM and a good spot to grab breakfast/lunch/dinner. For more options, you can explore restaurants at Monroe, Bothell or Woodinville.
Stay
There are many campgrounds, state parks, hotels, motels, RV parks and Airbnbs in this stretch. Any stay option between Monroe and Stevens Pass will make for a convenient stay location.
Big Eddy Trip Planning
- Day trip – I would highly recommend making a day trip to Big Eddy on a hot summer day when the afternoon temperatures are in the 80s. The dip into the cool glacial waters of Skykomish river is just what you need. Even better if you visit after the hike to Heybrook Lookout.
- Weekend trip – On a weekend summer road-trip to Highway 2, I would include this as must stop. It is a great spot to enjoy the blue-green waters of Skykomish river from up close.
- Pit stop on a longer road trip – This is a great leg stretcher stop on roadtrip from Seattle to Leavenworth or beyond. It is a beautiful riverside spot to break the drive any time of the year.
- Best time to visit – Summer, spring and fall.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a family friendly riverside swimming hole for a day trip from Seattle, then Big Eddy would be one of the best options.
Combine it with a visit to Deception Falls and Eagle Falls for a fulfilling summer day trip on Hwy 2. Great for families with kids, older parents and as a group activity.
If you are looking for other riverside swimming spots, then consider one of the day use areas in Middle Fork Snoqualmie in North Bend.
