Upper Boulder Lake is a popular destination hike with multiple trail options. We were in the area for a family reunion with multiple ages and so we took the direct, there-and-back, route. It is a short, but mildly difficult hike due to elevation and some trail challenges (see below). This adventure happened at the end of July.

Challenges:

• Parking can be difficult depending on when you arrive. The earlier the better. Weekdays are less busy than weekends.

• Depending on the time of year, a few creek crossings may be nonexistent. Most have logs or stones to assist in traversing these wet areas if they exist when you visit.

• There is some decent elevation gain during the last half of the trail up to the lake. If you have difficulty with elevation, this hike probably isn’t for you.

• There are a lot of trail hazards, like rocks, exposed roots, and uneven ground. This hike should not be attempted by anyone with difficulty navigating uneven or difficult terrain.

Hiker’s Notes:

• The trail may have poison oak along it at parts. Usually, this trail is managed well enough it is not an issue, but be aware and mindful that it may be around.

• A lot of dog owners use this trail so be mindful of them as well. If you are a dog owner bringing your dog on this trail, be mindful of others. The trail is narrow and there are not a lot of areas to make room for passing. If your dog is not fully trained there could be issues with the tight quarters should you encounter another dog.

Equipment:

• Water

• Snack

• Sunscreen (recommended)

• Bug Repellent (recommended)

• Hat (recommended)

• Good, broken in, hiking boots or shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Fishing gear if you like. The fish seemed only interested in the Rapala Original lure. The lake has Westslope Cutthroat Trout.

The drive to Lower Boulder Lake, also known as Boulder Meadows Reservoir, is nice along the paved Highway 55. However, once you get off the main highway and the short stretch of country roads, the forest road is a rough dirt road. Your destination is the base of Boulder Meadows Reservoir (44.86948103463155, -115.97236208582841). The parking is…interesting. You have to find a place where you can pull off the road enough for other vehicles to pass but also avoid getting high centered on a rock or log, or accidentally getting stuck in a small rut hidden amongst the folliage. Our Toyota Camry made it without much issue though. Later in the season, the road conditions may be different.

After parking you clamber up the steep embankment to the edge of the Boulder Meadows Reservoir and the start of the trail up to Boulder Lake. You’ll follow the trail along the northern shore of the reservoir until you reach the eastern end. From here you leave the reservoir and begin a steady, yet shallow elevation gain towards Boulder Lake.

About halfway to Boulder Lake the elevation gains will begin to increase. This will make the hike more difficult, but there are lots of places to stop and take a break if you need it. Don’t forget to look around when taking these breaks. Lots of beautiful views over your shoulder along this trail, so long as you’re looking for them.

At one point, about 1/2 a mile from the lake, there is a nice rock protrusion you can scale to get a phenomenal view of Boulder Meadows Reservoir through the trees. The landscape is breathtaking. It is also a great place to rest and drink some water before making the final climb to Boulder Lake.

You’ll know you are almost at the lake when you encounter much more running water. The west end of the lake is a rock wall to allow more water to remain in the lake year round. While it blocks a lot of the water from escaping the lake, it is not sealed, so water flows through the rocks in several beautiful small streams and waterfalls. It makes for a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the multitude of waterways.

The lake is large and has little to block the wind, especially at the rock wall area. The other areas around the lake provide some cover, thanks to the trees. Trails lead completely around it and you can even access trails from the East end of the lake to other locations.

Fishing at the lake was successful. I was able to catch two Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Neither was especially large, but they were fun to catch and release. The only bait they seemed to be interested in was the Rapala Original lure. Even that was successful in only one spot for me. Some others were able to catch another trout in a spot about 100 yards from me, using the same lure. Check out the fishing video.

If you are planning to be in this area I would highly recommend this hike. It has beautiful views and some unique water vistas, and it’s easy enough for most people to be able to handle. Smaller children might struggle with the steeper sections. So if you plan to carry them part of the way, in a pack, I would let them walk the first half and carry them the last since that is when they will have the most difficulty. Leave in the morning, take a lunch, and make a day of it at this wonderful lake.