boulder river trail and falls
4-13-2019
Weather Forecast
Tue, 05.12
Wed, 06.12
Thu, 07.12
.Heavy rain along with rising snow levels Monday into Tuesday will lead to rapidly rising rivers across the area. It is likely that many rivers will reach flood stage late Monday night or Tuesday. ...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT... * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of northwest and west central Washington, including the following counties, in northwest Washington, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom. In west central Washington, King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish and Thurston. * WHEN...Through late Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Excessive rainfall Monday and Tuesday with 7 to 10 inches possible over the Olympics, 5 to 9 inches over the Cascades, 3 to 5 inches along the coast and 1.5 to 3 inches over the interior lowlands. Snow levels will rise to around 9000 feet Monday night before dropping Tuesday. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
(NWS Seattle (Northwest Washington))
Gaia Map
Approximate Route Map
The activities depicted on this site are inherently dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Any action that you take as a result of information obtained from this site or any information provided through Hike2Hike is at your own risk.
Boulder River Trail feels like it has been with me for eons. This was the first place I did any kind of overnight backpacking trip. It’s also the first trail I thought of while starting to get sober and healthy. This trail helped inspire me to do all the outdoor activities that I partake in today. Strangely, this trail has changed little during the 20 years that I have been coming here.
The trail itself is straight-forward. All the way to the main waterfall, at about 1 mile in, the trail is wide and well-kept. Prepare yourself to wander through some traditional northwest forest. Moss-covered trees line the path. Sounds of a not too distant rushing creek. This is one of those trails that is near and dear to me and I wish there was something to more to say. But, the trail is simple, easy to follow, and enjoyable for everyone.
If you are looking for an easy overnight experience, there’s a couple of decent campsites before reaching the main waterfall. Given that it takes so little effort to get to, Boulder Falls is a magnificent little destination. Boulder River Trail is accessible almost any time of year, and even though the water is cold, I have gotten away with spontaneous dips once or twice on beautiful summer days. The trail is easy for kids and enjoyable for adults, thus making Boulder River Trail a northwest gem.
Once past the waterfall, Boulder River Trail continues to be a simple walk through of some mossy forest. The hardest thing you might have to face is blow-downs. There’s always at least 2 or 3 along this trail, but this time there were a lot of large ones. With a small amount of effort I was able to get around all them, though it may be more difficult if you have children with you.