|
Boulder Falls is the ever present point of confusion along the Boulder River trail. The USGS have the falls marked on the map, yet the trail doesn't provide a view of the falls, so when hikers arrive at nearby Feature Show Falls, they naturally assume they are looking at Boulder Falls. Boulder Falls itself lies about 2/3 of a mile downstream from Feature Show Falls on the Boulder River, and at a point where the river is hidden from view by the thick forest, which clearly explains why so few have found the true falls. Those who do find it will discover a very aptly named waterfall. In fact, were this not an officially named waterfall, I doubt we would have it in the database because technically (by the NWS standards at least) this isn't a waterfall. The falls are pretty, but not all that impressive, so even though there is confusion over which fall is really Boulder Falls, it's excusable to skip this fall, as it's probably only interesting to waterfall enthusiasts.
- Boulder Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
Located within the Boulder River Wilderness, off of the Mountain Loop Highway between Arlington and Darrington. Drive east from Arlington along SR 530 for about 19 miles to French Creek Road # 2010, and proceed to the large parking area at the end of the road, 4 ½ miles from SR 530. Hike in for about ¾ of a mile to where the river can be heard thundering along below. If you start climbing up a switchback, you've gone too far. Find a faint path which drops steeply to the river and views of the falls. I don't recommend this scramble to those just looking for an easy walk, but it's not a terribly difficult bushwhack either.
|
