There was one other vehicle at the trailhead when I arrived at 0730am on this beautiful Tuesday morning.
The road in does have some potholes and there are some rim busters and drink spillers if you aren't paying attention. The fallen tree at the start of the forest service road does stick out a far amount but I was able to squeeze by in the big 4x4 Tundra. My best advice is to pick a line and stay committed when dodging potholes- I was able to maintain a speed of almost 20mph the whole way.
The trail is shaded the entire duration. The tread is rocky, rooty but easy on the feet so nearly any footwear is appropriate on this hike. There are some muddy spots, and some questionable bridge crossings as well as a wide creek crossing that in some parts, is ankle deep. My feet stayed relatively dry but not mud free.
The Boulder River Wilderness is rich with history- and some remnants still remain early in in the hike. There are massive trees that survived the logging boom that you can not get your arms all the way around. The river was running wild, turquoise in color with a couple large cascading waterfalls to stare and gawk at. Watch your step; some of the trail has sheer drop-offs as you round some corners and clamber over rocks.
The elevation is never overbearing but enough, in some areas, to get the lungs pumping and the quads burning. A good little work out.
There are several downed trees along the way that'll ensure you stay on top of your yoga sessions but if you're feeling creaky and stiff, you'll be fine.
I reached the end of the trail, stared hopelessly at the infamous Boulder Ford, (a once trail of yesteryear that allowed access to the Three Fingers climb) and reminisced on how such trails could become so non-existent. Nevertheless, I moved on and made my way back to the trailhead.
8.4 miles. 700 feet of elevation gain. Three hours and 30 minutes from car to car.
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