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Trip Report    

Day Hike - Boulder River

Gorgeous, lightly trafficked, low-elevation wilderness route along the Boulder River with waterfalls in an old-growth forest.

KT / Karen Trilevsky KT / Karen Trilevsky
December 21, 2024
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • It is a well-defined trail with a full range of conditions - smooth, undulating, rocky, exposed roots, running water, blow-downs and mud - especially during the wet months. It was not exceptionally long nor with much elevation gain, but the conditions in Dec 2024 made it more challenging with ~12 med/large, fresh blow-downs [that required athleticism], running water in sections of the trail, and numerous stream crossings that involved boot-deep submersions in places. 

Great weather for a December hike - mid-forties, overcast, no rain.

The fallen tree that blocked FR2010 has been cleared to accommodate a 9-foot clearance and is indeed passable if nerve-wracking because of a sheer drop-off on the other side. 

The recent wind storms have deposited ~12 med/large trees across the trail - mostly in the first and fourth miles. I suggest bringing a small, folding tree saw to cut some of the branches to allow for easier passing. All were passable with some effort & athleticism but slowed travel and stretched hip flexibility. 

Due to the significant rainfall, the river was roaring, and the waterfalls were spectacular. It also meant mini streams on portions of the trail, and the side stream crossings were greater than boot deep (below the rock hops) several times. I would suggest high-top boots, gaiters, and extra socks. If the weather had been colder, this could have been problematic for some of the hikers. 

Rocks, exposed slippery roots, water, and mud made it slower going and easy to slip. 

Overall, it is a superb, quiet winter alternative to the I-90 corridor options.