Hike the Boulder River Trail

Boulder River is a great outing for those days when you feel like you just need a good hike through the forest. This makes for a nice long day hike, but because both of the large waterfalls are within the first half of the trail, you can still see the falls without going the whole way.

The trailhead starts at the end of French Creek Rd. No pass or permit is needed, so just park and hit the trail. The first half of the trail is well-maintained, though there are a few fallen trees here and there to maneuver around.

You will see the sign marking your entrance into the Boulder River Wilderness about a mile in from the trailhead. Soon after you enter the Wilderness area, there will be a break in the trees and you will finally see the river.

Not long after that, you will see the first set of waterfalls off to your right – there will be a steep access point to go down the river and enjoy the falls close up. Head back up to the trail when you're done taking in the falls, and continue up a set of small switchbacks, marked by an enormous old-growth tree.

At around 1.5 miles in you will reach the second waterfall, again on your right. There are several access points to get down to the river bank, where are less steep than at the first falls. There are also some deeper, calmer waters, so if you're feeling brave enough to go for a dip, there are some nice places at this spot.

Continue back up to the trail and keep an eye out for an area to the right of the trail that has a number of fallen logs, but is well-trodden in some areas, about a quarter mile past the second falls. Walk to the river bank for beautiful views and find a small path to the left that takes you into a rock cove overlooking the river.

Back on the trail, the last couple of miles is a little bit less well-maintained, with several stream crossing, fallen logs, mud puddles, raised roots, and the like. The trail will climb away from the river and you won't return to it until the turn-around point. Your destination is a rocky shore on the river's edge, with several great campsites. Dip your toes and have a snack before continuing back the way you came.