This is a great trail for families with younger kids (see warning below). I hiked this trail with my 10 year old kiddo and he was able to keep up with me to Boulder River Falls and back. We clocked in some 7km from the car to the falls and back to the car.
The Caveat: The access road to the trailhead is damaged/obstructed by a tree that has fallen across the road. The tree is partially still blocking the narrow road. Vehicles not narrow enough to squeeze through risk going off the deep end of that shelf road! Vehicles too high will hit the overhanging tree still obstructing the road. Passing that spot requires a little bit of nerves and a steady hand. Nervous drivers, you have been warned!
The Good: The falls are gorgeous. There are wildflowers blooming. The forest along the river is pretty.
The Bad: While the trail is in pretty good shape, there are some fallen trees that require some scrambling and climbing under and over them. Nothing that can't be managed by reasonably fit people. Warning: At various points along the trail, there are sudden, deep and steep drop-offs from the edge of the trail. Don't let your kids and pets get too close to those edges - a fall will be lethal. That's about the only caveat about this trail regarding accessibility and family compatibility. Another bad thing about this trail: it is VERY popular and crowded. Unfortunately, it shows in how the trail surroundings are littered with tissues and toilet paper. I saw a couple of plastic bottles and cans thrown along the trail too.
Comments