With the
skies turning blue and the mountain Spring scent in the air, it is time
again to step forth into Mother Natures wonderland and for this trek, I
chose the Boulder River Trail. This is a wonderful lowland Northwest
forest trek which follows an old railroad grade for a short distance
before entering the Boulder River Wilderness with towering old growth
trees and some lovely waterfalls.The trail is relatively easy for the first two miles as it marauders through some old growth. Between
1 1/4 and 1 ½ miles you come across a set of gorgeous waterfalls to feast your eyes upon. Just before the falls you will pass a lovely campsite, well groomed under the cool shade of some towering cedars.
For the first two miles, the trail is well groomed with a couple downed trees. Then you reach a large downed cedar crossing the trail which is at least six feet in diameter. To continue on, you will either have too crawl underneath it or climb upon it, and traverse up a distance till you find a safe place to jump off. There is no easy way around this tree, but it can be navigated. Care should be exercised while doing this.
After the downed cedar, the trail deteriorates more and more as you traverse it. There are many fallen trees in which to navigate. Some of which you will have to climb up upon in order to see where the trail continues. Parts of the trail are very muddy and soggy. There are many log crossings in which some are in need of repair. It will take time before the trail is dried up. But, it is passable and it does offer up some magnificent specimens of old growth cedar anywhere. As a bonus, the fallen trees have offered up the strong scent of cedar into the forest air, to enjoy as you trug along.
The trail ends at the Boulder River where there is a campsite. By the time you reach it, you will be ready to use it. And while doing so, you can sit back against a tree and listen the peaceful flowing of water, swollen by glacier melt as it passes down through the river gorge. Somehow your thoughts become clearer as the rivers symphony fills your ears and soothes you to a slumbering nap with the spring sun warming your face.