Boulder River Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Boulder River Trail is an 8.4-mile out-and-back trail located near Arlington, Washington that features a waterfall and beautiful flora/fauna. The terrain found on this route includes dry wide/narrow paths, mud, river rock, and bridges. Giant moss-covered trees make great shade from the sun or rain. Twin waterfalls near the beginning of the run will encourage you to explore as you continue on.

The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running & walking and is accessible year-round.
No parking pass required. No restrooms at trailhead.

This trail is fairly easy on the legs, perfect for running or jogging.

The Boulder River Trail is the most popular entry into the nearly 50,000-acre Boulder River Wilderness, and for good reason. This well-maintained trail is a great choice for hikers of all abilities and age levels. The grade is slight throughout, and the scenery in this forest of old-growth Douglas fir, hemlock, and western redcedar is lush and rewarding. You'll have the chance to see several waterfalls, and the first is just over a mile into the hike.

You'll begin the run on what was once a logging route, and the path is wide and gently graded. The trail climbs a bit before side routes are visible to camping spots just outside of the wilderness boundary. Continue on to enter the Boulder River Wilderness and listen for the sound of the first falls. Feature Show Falls is a beautiful set of twin streams that cascade 259 feet down into the Boulder River. Not to be confused with Boulder Falls a few miles downstream, Feature Show Falls is much more picturesque and popular, and for many, it is the destination for the day.

It won't be the last waterfall, however, so press on for more from this gorgeous, protected forest. The trail climbs slightly and dives into the understory of maiden hair and deer fern, devil's club, bunchberry, and more. Sections of the trail are rooted and rocky, but the going is generally smooth. You'll see the second waterfall, unnamed, streaming down in a series of drops about a half-mile beyond Feature Show Falls. While no feature, this falls is certainly worth the extra effort if you are not out for the longer trip.

If you do proceed from this second waterfall, note that the trail becomes a little more rough. Sections are muddy, rooted, and there are some stream crossings. The trail is still a great trek if you are heading toward the clearing at the end. This is a great spot to camp if you are out for a brief overnight trip. Please remember that any cat holes should be dug 200 feet from the trail and any water, and practice Leave No Trace principles for the next visitor.

- Description by Halvor Tweto, Outdoor Project

There is dripping moss and bright yellow monkey flowers between the waterfalls. Wide variety of trees and shrubbery throughout the trail (Sword fern, soft maidenhair fern, deer fern, moss and twin flower)

The USGS have the falls marked on the map, yet the trail doesn't provide a view of the falls, so when runners arrive at nearby Feature Show Falls, they assume they are looking at Boulder Falls. The river is hidden from view by the thick forest, which clearly explains why so few have found the actual falls. Those who do find it will discover the true unnamed waterfall.