Kevin Clark / The Daily Herald                                Johnny Marcello jumps into the swimming hole at Eagle Falls with Ian Vincent, left, and Bostin Otto, center, looking on Thursday morning just outside Index, WA on July 14, 2016.

Kevin Clark / The Daily Herald Johnny Marcello jumps into the swimming hole at Eagle Falls with Ian Vincent, left, and Bostin Otto, center, looking on Thursday morning just outside Index, WA on July 14, 2016.

Eagle Falls near Index risky for swimmers, rescue crews

INDEX — The water’s not the only danger at Eagle Falls, a popular swimming hole on the South Fork Skykomish River, about four miles east of Index.

Already this year, there’s been an increase in rescues at the falls, Index Fire Chief Ernie Walters said. Emergency crews are being summoned there several times a month. The hotter-than-normal spring was a likely factor, he said.

“We’ve had calls out there in March and April for people getting injured, when normally you don’t get them until June or July,” he said. “I know we’ve had more in the beginning of the year so far than we’ve had previously.”

Most of those 911 calls have been for people slipping on rocks, though sometimes the mishaps involve cliff diving and awkward landings. There haven’t been life-threatening injuries lately so much as broken bones, Walters said. One man had suspected spinal injuries that turned out to be less serious once he got to the hospital.

“We get a lot of ankle injuries out there,” Walters said. “It’s an uneven climbing area.”

The rescue part is complicated though. It usually involves rappelling.

“The only way to get to them realistically is set up a rope system and bring them up that way,” Walters said. “We can’t effectively pack them out. You have to go through water. We try not to get them into the water if we can. That’s why we’ve had to use ropes.”

Conditions are always changing along Snohomish County rivers. The county tourism site describes Eagle Falls as a “noisy 25- to 40-foot cascade.”

Three years ago, an 18-year-old man drowned in the area of Eagle Falls. His body was found about 200 feet from the base. He was not wearing a life jacket. The water’s frigid temperature likely was a factor in the death, officials said at the time.

There can be hundreds of people out there on a sunny day, mostly children and teenagers, Walters said. He reminds people to remember not to drink alcohol and swim, and that loaner life jackets are available at the fire department in Index, as well as stations in Gold Bar, Monroe and Sultan.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Photo courtesy of Graphite Arts Center
Amelia DiGiano’s photography is part of the “Seeing Our Planet” exhibit, which opens Friday and runs through Aug. 9 at the Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.
A&E Calendar for July 10

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood child, 4, accidentally shoots mother, father arrested

The child retrieved a loaded firearm from his father, who was asleep at the time, South County deputies said.

Opponents of President Donald Trump’s executive order indefinitely halting refugee resettlement in the U.S. rally on the steps of the federal courthouse in Seattle on Feb. 25, 2025, after a judge issued a ruling blocking the president’s order. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Refugees from travel ban countries must be allowed to enter US, Seattle judge rules

It’s the latest twist in the legal battle over President Trump’s attempt to block refugee resettlement.

Position 1 candidates prioritize public safety, differ on tax increases

Derica Escamilla is looking to retain her seat against challengers Dio Boucsieguez and Brandon Kimmel.

on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mini heat wave moving into Snohomish County

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, warning of temperatures climbing to mid-80s or low 90s Tuesday and Wednesday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.