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    Boulder Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    4-5.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    11.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    616 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    Boulder Lake Trail is an 11.7 km lightly trafficked out and back trail in Glacier Peak Wilderness that is rated as hard. This hike leads to a gorgeous lake framed by jagged rock walls, but getting there isn’t exactly straightforward. The drive in is overgrown (careful with your car) and the trail itself is initially clear before fading away, requiring reliance on GPS to reach the lake. If you have a downloaded route and you’re ready to persevere, you’re likely to have the lake all to yourself.

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    Route Description for Boulder Lake Trail

    Let’s get this straight: Boulder Lake Trail isn’t well-maintained, isn’t very clear to follow, and isn’t a casual walk in the woods. It’s difficult to follow, unclear at times, and easy to lose. That being said, the lake at the end of the trail is truly stunning, and if you can reach it, you’re quite likely to have it all to yourself. Arm yourself with a reliable GPS track and prepare to bushwhack a little and you’ll be rewarded for your hard work at the shores of this alpine lake.

    The trail begins from the end of the access road, which is an adventure in itself. Hike roughly southeast, crossing a small arm of Tenas Creek while keeping the main creek on your right. The trail roughly follows the creek as it curves north.

    A couple of small stream crossings bring you closer to the creek. The trail becomes much less obvious here, but if you keep the creek close by on your right-hand side, you’ll continue to approach the lake. Just before reaching the lake, the trail crosses the creek, and you’ll soon have the shores in your sight.

    On the return trip, keep Tenas Creek on your left-hand side. If you drift too far away, you may lose the trail. The trail should reveal itself closer to the parking lot.

    Getting to the Boulder Lake Trail Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Boulder Lake Trail is at the end of National Forest Development Road 2660. The road is overgrown and some hikers report scratching their cars, so go slowly.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      May-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Boulder Lake Trail Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

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    Boulder Lake Trail Reviews

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