Boulder River Trail

Majestic, lush and inspiring are just three words that come to mind when describing the Boulder River Wilderness Area's 48,674 acres of forests. This pristine area was set aside by Congress as part of the 1984 Washington Wilderness Act. This wilderness area provides opportunities for year-round, snow free recreation in the wilderness of the North Cascades region and represents one of the last lowland valleys of intact virgin forest remaining in Western Washington. Located along the western boundary of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and just southwest of the town of Darrington, it is easily accessed from Western Washington?s major urban areas via State Route 530.

The Boulder River Trail is a great hike through this spectacular wilderness area. The trail begins on an old logging railroad bed, but reaches the wilderness boundary in less than a mile. Within the next mile, you pass three sets of beautiful waterfalls. The third falls is a great place to turn around if you're just looking for a short stroll or are with young children. If you are continuing, the trail follows the river ? not always within sight of the stream, but always within earshot. Over the next four miles, the trail climbs gently through old-growth forest, including cedars, hemlocks, sword ferns, and bigleaf maple. The trail ends at an open, flat spot next to the river ? a perfect place to enjoy your lunch and views of the Boulder River. Return the way you came.

To reach the trailhead from the Darrington Ranger Station, take State Route 530 west for 8.2 miles to the French Creek Road #2010 (mile post #41). Turn left (south) onto road #2010 and follow it for 3.7 miles to the trailhead.

Trail Notes: The use of livestock is prohibited on this trail. No recreation pass is required. For more information on the Boulder River Wilderness Area, click here. As always, be sure to check the highway conditions, trail and forest road conditions, and the weather forecast before you go. And don?t forget your 10 Essentials!