Boulder River
Last modified
Oct 23, 2009 03:33 PM
Contributors:
Dahlia, sharonmattnadia
A good hike any time of year, the trail is perfect for beating summer heat, enjoying winter rain, savoring autumn color, or being wooed by waterfalls that are swollen with spring rain. One thing about this trail remains constant: the trees. Whatever the season, you'll travel through a forest that has defied time. Boulder River's moss-draped giants represent one of the last remaining large, low-country old-growth forests in the Cascades. Protected within the nearly 49,000-acre Boulder River Wilderness, these ancient trees are as impressive as the wild river they embrace. Recent Trip Reports
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Boulder River
— Sep 18, 2009
— Mrdoublena
Day hike
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Perfect sunny weather for a hike, with a nice 70 degrees through the woods.
The trail starts out fairly...
Perfect sunny weather for a hike, with a nice 70 degrees through the woods.
The trail starts out fairly level, then progresses to a moderate hill climb. Not a bad afternoon jaunt, although I would like to come back and stay at one of the campsites. We were the only people on the trail on a Friday at 1pm, so it was a nice surprise to have the trail to ourselves. There were definite remnants of a bear throughout the hike, so keep those eyes peeled and make your presence known. Day hike
Features:
Ripe berries
Issues:
Water on trail | No water source
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My daughter and I took to the trail (with dog) about 10:00 a.m. We weren't sure we would hike...
My daughter and I took to the trail (with dog) about 10:00 a.m. We weren't sure we would hike to the end of the trail (4.5 Mi), but we "missed" the second waterfall at 3.5, and so kept on, watching for that marker. We arrived at trail's end about 1:30, had a delightful lunch by the water, near tempting campsites, and took about 3.5 hours to trek back to the car.
Road to the trail head is a bit rough, so probably a rugged car or pickup is preferable. A few mud spots, quite a few log walks, but a delightful hike. Didn't see any "wild life", so no bear tales for the grandkids, much to my relief! We met a fair number of hikers ( maybe 6 parties) when we were on our way back, but otherwise we were on our own. In other words, a wonderful hike! (Knees recovered from the downhill walk nicely by the next day).
Boulder River
— Jul 06, 2009
— northwestgal
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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We got there at 9:30 am and there were no other cars. Exactly what we had hoped on a...
We got there at 9:30 am and there were no other cars. Exactly what we had hoped on a Monday following a long holiday weekend. The trail was dry with no obstacles. The many many berries we passed had about one week to go until they were ripe. All was beautiful and peaceful until about two thirds up the trail we bumped into a black bear that was just about 50 feet in front of us walking up the trail as well.
We decided to cut our hike short and return down where we came from. After all is said and done it was fun day.
Boulder River
— Jun 27, 2009
— Page
Day hike
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We used Dan Nelson's "Best HIkes with Dogs" book to access this hike. Mileage is 23 miles from I-5 on...
We used Dan Nelson's "Best HIkes with Dogs" book to access this hike. Mileage is 23 miles from I-5 on SR 530 to French Creek Road (just past MM#41). This detail is confusing in his book with reference to 19.5 miles after turning east onto 530 from I-5. His mileage is from Arlington, not the freeway.
A sunny, dry, warm day greeted us. Three other cars at the trailhead. By the time we started off, 5 more had arrived with a Boy Scout Troop. We got busy to get on the trail. Conditions: Very good, very few muddy spots. Some easy walking, some careful stepping, with a nice balance of each. Flora: Nice old growth, carpets of wild dogwood ground cover Fauna: Warblers (seen & heard), slugs and some eager mosquitos at the trail's end near the river This would be an awesome winter hike. THis is a popular hike. While there were 3 cars at 9:00 AM, we counted at least 35 when we drove out at 2:00 PM. Get there early for some solitude and really enjoy the falls. Day hike
Issues:
Mudholes
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We started early as to avoid the heat and the crowds. The falls were pretty and the river is...
We started early as to avoid the heat and the crowds. The falls were pretty and the river is moving right along with all the run off. Went the four miles to the river and only passed a couple people on the way out. Nice hike for a hot day.
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Driving Directions
Take exit 208 off of I-5 and drive 4 miles east on State Route 530 to Arlington, and then continue east on SR 530 for 20 more miles. At milepost 41, near a subdivision, turn right onto Forest Road 2010 (French Creek Road) and continue for 3.7 miles to the trailhead (elev. 950 ft). Privy available at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources campground 2.8 miles east. |
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