Hiked Monday March 3, 2025 to about the 2 mile mark, just past two big Cedar Trees. There is a fallen tree hanging over the road and one that had been across the road that has been sawed for ease of passage, just after entering the forest. It's a tight squeeze between the sawed off tree and edge of the road atop a downward slope to French Creek, but my Toyota Highlander did fine. There is pink flagging (See Photo).

Potholes seemed fewer than my last visit a few years back; but they ARE there....go slow. Outhouse was clean and stocked (thank you Forest Service). Note outhouse is located at about one mile from the highway turnoff, none at the trailhead.  We were the only ones to park; but 3 cars in lot upon our return. There are a few small trees across the trail, but none were impassable, even with a toddler in a back carrier.

The moss is pretty stunning. Feature Falls was roaring a plenty as we gazed at it from the trail. We sauntered far enough to cross the log bridge and then picked our way over a flat bridge with alot of tree debris on it. Our turnaround/lunch spot was just past the two BIG cedars at a stream crossing. 

Great job everyone, there wasn't ANY trash or pet waste bags. We Can Do It.

Second attempt at Boulder River and while I fared much better than the first time (11.23 “Road Impassable Ahead”), I am once again returning home defeated.

First thing’s first — VIEW TRAILHEAD IN MAPS APP points you to the wrong destination. DO NOT follow those directions. Instead follow the written Driving Directions under Getting to the Trailhead.

Second — the road is snow free! It is riddled with potholes, as many have noted, so go slow. I did see a sedan pull up as I was leaving.

Third — yes, there is a tree partially blocking the road and you will need to drive perilously close to the edge to squeeze by it. My RAV4 (72.6 inches wide) slipped by comfortably though I don’t know how a bigger SUV or truck would fare.

As for the hike itself — it’s nice, but be ready to get wet. Soaked. It wasn’t even raining when I went but between the rain from the day/night before and the snow melt the trail was practically a stream for extended periods. There were numerous water crossings that will slow you down dramatically and require some fancy footwork, and even Fred Astaire would walk away from this hike wringing out his socks.

The falls are beautiful but once you pass the second unnamed big falls the water crossings become relentless. I’ve attached two pictures to this review — one is the first big falls but the second picture, which looks like a stream, is actually the trail.

I made it about 3.5 miles before getting to a point where I would have needed to wade knee deep in fast running water, perched on slippery rocks right over a ravine. I tapped out and turned back.

Bottom line — a worthwhile hike for those willing to get a little wet. If you have unlimited time, or perhaps some SCUBA gear, by all means push on as far as you dare. If you’re looking for a “greatest hits” version of the hike, go past the second big falls to a stair case the leads to an overlook of the river — maybe 2.5 miles or so from the trailhead — and turn around here.

As for me — I’ll be back to complete this trail, someday, when things are drier. Third time’s a charm.

Did not actually make it to the trail as our vehicle (2wd) began to slip and slide and become stuck in the snow about 2.5 miles from the trailhead. The road was open but very icy and snow covered, and included a section where we had to drive under a very low-hanging fallen tree (about 6' off the ground). We saw two SUV's brave the road further than we did but I would not recommend making the attempt without chains and/or a buddy to push you out of the snow.

We walked along the road a ways; it was a beautiful snow day.

Amazing hike! It would go from a winter wonderland to lush green rain forest and back again. The pools of water were such a lovely blue, I want to come back in the summer and take a dip. More of a "journey" hike instead of a "destination" hike but neither disappoints.

Lot was almost full when we got there at ten on a Saturday, maybe ten cars. We saw some people along the trail but it's long enough they were few and far between.

Road was bumpy with potholes but easy enough to navigate in my Camry. Didn't try the pit toilet down the road. It was icy at times on the trail and there were several logs that had fallen across it. I am worried with the limited staff they won't be cleared anytime soon.

Road is in pretty good shape, I think you could take any car but the last mile has some good pot holed sections that take awhile in a small sedan. Side note that within the first mile of road some trees fell, this is creating two problems one tree is overhanging the road and two is the road has started collapsing off the cliff. No big duallies will get through but our f150 squeezed by.

Trail is in good shape a few logs to navigate but easy peasy, I tore my calf on last weeks hike and I did just fine with the obstacles. Main waterfall is beautiful right now, the right mix of flow and ice, and the flow through the river is clear and blue. We ended up going almost 3miles out before turning just to get a good hike in, but remember besides the falls there aren’t and other big landmarks other than a pretty gorge hike by the river. Love this area!