Mount Pilchuck
3 days ago
Intermittent snow and ice
12 this month · 164 reports
Boulder Lake
North Cascades
updated 2 weeks ago
The road to Boulder Lake remains impassable, with the last accessible point being 5 miles from the trailhead according to a report from August 15. By October 23, the road was described as impassable/closed, and even beyond the initial road closure, significant damage from past flood events has created treacherous conditions. Hikers will encounter numerous downed trees, rock slides, and washouts on the roadbed, requiring careful navigation. The trail itself is also reported as difficult to impossible to navigate, with overgrown sections, difficult stream crossings, and muddy or wet conditions. Notably, a bridge over Tenas Creek is inundated with debris, and vehicle access is not possible beyond this point, adding over 3 miles and approximately 1,000 feet of elevation gain to the hike.
Generated from 24 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Boulder Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 2 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road is impassable past the 5-mile mark from the trailhead as of August 15. By October 23, the road was described as impassable/closed, with significant flood damage creating treacherous conditions and numerous washouts, making vehicle access impossible beyond a certain point.
The trail is reported as difficult to impossible to navigate, with overgrown sections and muddy or wet conditions as of October 23. Hikers should also expect challenging stream crossings and numerous downed trees and debris on the trail and roadbed.
One report from August 15 mentions the road is closed 5 miles from the trailhead, suggesting that parking might be available up to that point. However, another report from October 23 states the road is impassable/closed, implying potential limitations even before the 5-mile mark.
Yes, stream crossings are noted as difficult and potentially challenging as of October 23. One specific crossing over Tenas Creek has a bridge that is inundated with debris, making vehicle access impossible beyond that point.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The Forest Service has completed installation of a bridge over the first major washout on FSR # 26 Suiattle River Road. All vehicles can now easily make it to FSR #2660 Tenas Creek Road junction. FSR ...
Older2 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Road closed 5 miles from trailhead.
Older3 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Recent bear sighting at the Boulder Lake Camping Area. Please use best bear-safe practices when accessing the Boulder Lakes Trail and Boulder Lakes Camping Area. Campers, please store food and attract...
Older3 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Trail was in good condition, but the spider webs were bonkers. I was the first on the trail and didn't see anyone the whole hike, but I don't think anyone had hiked that trail for a few days at least ...
Older4 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
The Sultan Basin Road was in great condition with only a couple potholes. Registering at Olney Pass was super easy; there were plenty of pencils and paper forms. The South Shore parking lot was quit...
Older4 months ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
I didn't get as far in as Bergsrad. It was too overgrown and I got lost trying to find the trail--the fact that it was so hot was part of the reason why I bailed so early, but honestly? This is probab...
Older5 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
I did my first overnight trip of the season at Boulder Lake!Trail is a bit brushy from the Greider Lake junction, and there are a few minor blowdowns, but overall is in excellent shape.Bugs are out in...
Older5 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
The two trip reports from May are thorough and describe the hike well, but I will add a few comments from my day on the trail.The gravel road is in very good condition, with only a few large potholes ...
Older5 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
Quiet afternoon hike without the holiday crowds? Check.Discovering an awesome secluded lake, with great campsites? Even better.After swooshing past the crawling line of traffic on Hwy 2 returning home...
Older6 months ago
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
The last trip report was from about 3 weeks ago, so figured it was a good time to check out conditions. Map at the trailhead still lists the hike as closed due to the bridge being out but that has sin...