Boulder River Trail Hike Register

Join the Mount Baker Sierra Club for a hike on the Boulder River Trail, which offers access to old-growth forest and a Congressionally-designated Wilderness Area. While those hoping for stunning viewpoints on this trail might be disappointed, the experience of walking among centuries-old trees in one of the area's last surviving fragments of old-growth makes this hike well worth it. Along the way we'll pause to admire huge conifers as well as Boulder Falls and stretches of the river. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

This is an approximately 8.5-mile round trip, out-and-back trail that involves almost 700 feet of elevation gain and is rated by All Trails as moderate. Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a packed lunch, and plenty of water (see recommendations for the 10 Essentials of hiking here).

We will be meeting at the Boulder River Trailhead on National Forest Road 2010 off State Route 530 NE (the spot that shows up on Google Maps may not be exact; simply follow NF Road 2010 until you see the trailhead). Be prepared for some potholes getting up to the trailhead on the Forest Service road. There is no restroom or potable running water access at the trailhead or on the trail, and we will have to pack out any waste. We'll be following Leave No Trace principles on this hike.

Please note you will need a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent public lands pass to park at the trailhead.

Sierra Club cannot organize or assume liability for carpools. However, those wishing to self-organize carpools are encouraged to meet at the South Bellingham Park & Ride at 8:00am. There is limited parking at the trailhead, so carpooling is especially helpful. 

Although 3pm is the estimated finish time, we could finish slightly earlier or later--so best not to make plans that depend on being done at exactly that time. This qualifies as a backcountry hike, and all participants will be required to sign a liability waiver and fill out a medical form. 

Directions: From Bellingham, get on I-5 South. Take Exit 208 onto State Route 530, and follow it to the turnoff onto National Forest Road 2010. See directions here.

COVID-19 - No vaccine or tests are required for this outing. You may be walking with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. You are welcome to wear a mask if it makes you comfortable. Please stay home if you are sick or experiencing any COVID symptoms.

Waiver - All participants in Sierra Club activities are required to sign a standard Participation Agreement when rsvping or at the trailhead. You can review the agreement form at the trailhead or here. 

Medical - If you have any medical issues you feel the leaders should know about, you must inform them before the start of the trip. You will be required to fill out a medical form (emergency contact, allergies, medications, and general medical history) available here, and are strongly encouraged to email it to the trip leader prior to the hike. Your medical information will be referred to or passed along to emergency responders if you have a medical emergency during the walk. It is a good idea to keep a copy in your pack.