Boulder Lake Trail
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Table of contents
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.
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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