Seattle, WA: Boulder Lake

Pack your camping gear and head to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for this backcountry getaway to a pristine mountain lake. The hike starts from the Boulder Lake Trailhead on a rocky mining road that climbs to the southeast, passing an information kiosk and the crashing Boulder Creek.
After 0.8 mile, the steep and rocky roadbed transitions to trail tread punctuated with rough roots and boulders. The trail continues to gain elevation as it winds to the south above Boulder Creek, passing through open brush, paintbrush, tiger lilies, and columbine. Savor the views that extend across the valley to the west before re-entering the forest. At mile 2, slow down and admire the towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, then cross a marshy meadow on a cedar boardwalk (look for frogs in the puddles of water).
Drop your pack at mile 3.3 and relax by Boulder Lake, a 3,706-foot lake that sits at the foot of a small cirque. Watch the waters for jumping fish and, on windless days, the stunning reflections of the surrounding ridges. If you plan to spend the night, set up your tents in the well-marked campsites.
Editor’s Note: The Washington Department of Natural Resources plans to restrict access to this area. To reach this trailhead in the future, start hiking at the gated road by Greider Lakes Trailhead. It’s a 1.5-mile roadwalk to the Boulder Lake Trailhead.
-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography

Trail Facts

• Distance: 10.5

Waypoints

010

Location: 34.794605255127, -84.1245880126953

01-OCT-08 2:26:44PM Turn right at a three way intersection. This is where the Benton MacKaye and Duncan Ridge Trails separate. Look for Rectangular Blue Blazes going forward.

005

Location: 34.776668548584, -84.1548919677734

01-OCT-08 12:59:31PM Scenic view to the South and large mountains.

012

Location: 34.8014793395996, -84.1011657714844

01-OCT-08 3:16:34PM Summit of Gregory Mountain?

003

Location: 34.7727317810059, -84.1593170166016

01-OCT-08 12:35:30PM Straight at a four way intersection.

004

Location: 34.7781257629394, -84.1568374633789

01-OCT-08 12:48:04PM Tricky spot. Trail turns hard right and goes up hill.

013

Location: 34.8057746887207, -84.0877075195312

01-OCT-08 3:50:30PM Sarvis Gap. Water source to the right. Look for the Wooden Sign with a “W” and arrow pointing the direction.

009

Location: 34.7881202697754, -84.1276550292969

01-OCT-08 2:13:55PM Campsite. First water source downhill to the right.

015

Location: 34.7991714477539, -84.0397491455078

01-OCT-08 5:57:47PM End of Trail in Mulky Gap.

008

Location: 34.7843055725098, -84.1309814453125

01-OCT-08 1:56:12PM Licklog Mountain summit?

007

Location: 34.7817153930664, -84.1438064575195

01-OCT-08 1:26:11PM Straight at a four way intersection across an old logging road.

014

Location: 34.8018951416016, -84.0707550048828

01-OCT-08 4:29:38PM Straight in a gap (fish Gap) at an intersection with a gravel road. Water source down the gravel road. Distance unkown.

006

Location: 34.7812042236328, -84.1516418457031

01-OCT-08 1:12:28PM Tricky turn back to the left.

001

Location: 34.7660942077637, -84.1643447875976

01-OCT-08 12:18:08PM Beginning of hike. Do not filter water from the creek near the road. There is agricultural “run off” from a chicken farm up stream. Look for the green “hiker” sign and a small asphalt parking pad large enough for three cars.

002

Location: 34.7668685913086, -84.1643981933594

01-OCT-08 12:19:23PM Straight at a four way intersection. Follow the White Diamond blazes.

011

Location: 34.7954750061035, -84.1241912841797

01-OCT-08 2:29:25PM Turn right at a three way intersection. Scenic over look is to the left at this intersection.

100_3142

Location: 34.7770156860352, -84.1546478271484

100_3147

Location: 34.7886734008789, -84.1279983520508

100_3148

Location: 34.7957496643066, -84.1217575073242

100_3152

Location: 34.7986640930176, -84.1167602539062

100_3155

Location: 34.8015785217285, -84.0709686279297

100_3160

Location: 34.7999114990234, -84.0514068603516