Kevin, there are a ton of drifts on the Skagit. I ran the Marblemount to Rockport (above the Sauk) as a 1st year oarsman last year. The put-in is just under the bridge in Marblemount and the takeout is Henry Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport. There was nothing too scary here, just be aware this is really big, fast water. Please call ahead to one of the local tackle shops or guides and ask if there are any new hazards as I have yet to run it this year.

The best advise I can give is:
1) Hire a guide the first time, you kill two birds with one stone, by learning the way down the river and where the fish may hold.
2) Get a Washington Gazetteer Atlas and spend a day just exploring (driving) along the Skagit. Nearly every unmarked road off of the highway leads to some kind of put-in/take-out.

Be Safe, Good luck!