boulder river trail and falls

4-13-2019

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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.

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boulder river falls
boulder river waterfall os washington
Boulder falls
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Boulder falls

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.

bridge along boulder river trail
bridge along trail
third waterfall along the boulder river trail
third waterfall
camping area the terminus of boulder river trail
camp area at trail end

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.