Boulder Lake (Olympics)

This hike description starts from the trail’s beginning at the marked intersection with the Appleton Pass Trail. You’ll need to hike about 8 miles on the washed-out road from the Madison Falls trailhead, then another 3.3 easy miles from the end of the road to get to that spot. See the hiking guide entry for Appleton Pass for directions and complete description of this part of the route.

This is a well-engineered trail of moderate grade that makes its 2.8-mile switchback-free ascent to the shores of green-tinted Boulder Lake. Along the way you will ramble through some great stands of fir and hemlock and take in some panoramic views to the south, including the north slopes of Mount Appleton. In late summer, you just might startle a bear raking in huckleberries in the flats just east of the lake. Be sure to bring enough water for the full distance to the lake. The lone creek that crosses the trail can be reduced to not much more than a damp smear by late summer.

Boulder Lake trail intersects with the Happy Ridge Trail about 0.1 mile from Boulder Lake (elevation 4,300) which is backed up by steep cliff and tree-studded slopes. Its waters ripple in the breezes and cast wavy green shadows on the sand and smooth rock bottom. The huckleberry and azaleas that ring its shoreline put on great reflection shows in the fall. It also makes a fine place for a refreshing swim.

There are tent sites, bear wires and a throne-style privy a long stone’s throw from the lake.