6-08-08
Saturday I scrambled up Esmerelda Peak. Sunday I was
looking for an easier hike. I also needed to be home early. Kim also wanted
to get out. She loves the Boulder River Trail and I had not been there
in 6 years. It was supposed to be cloudy which would be great for photos.
When we reached the trailhead there was only one car there. Another arrived
after us. Not the crowds this trail draws. We packed up and headed off
ahead of the other group.
The trail can best be described as every shade of green imaginable. Big trees, small trees, moss, brush, and berry bushes. You name it it's there. We made slow progress in the first mile as there was lots to see. For most people the falls are the highlights of the trail. We stopped there for photos then dropped down to river level for more. The falls were full though not crazy big. The recent cold weather seemed to have slowed the snow melt above.
After the falls we continued on. The trees became even bigger. There was some mud and water on the trail but overall it is in good shape. There were only a few logs that proved difficult to get around. Several miles along the trail the first of the crowds caught up with us. They blew on by on the way to the end of the trail. Although we have had a cold spring I was heartened to see berry bushes loaded with big green berries. Perhaps we will have a good berry season after all.
I had a turn around time set and our slow pace became a concern. We picked up the pace in an effort to make it to the river ford at the end of the route. The last mile is a bit muddy. We still had no trouble getting through. I kept thinking we were near the end and then around the next corner was another section of trail. I pushed my turn around time I was so sure we were near the end. Finally I gave up and we stopped for lunch.
The overcast was breaking up and it was actually sunnier than we wanted. Oh well, you can't have everything. On the way back we met half a dozen groups comng in. It was much less of a crowd than I expected. This is not a trail with a lake or a great summit view. It does have the waterfalls but the real reason to go is the trail itself. Flowers, moss, big trees, and a roaring river close by. Those are plenty of reasons why I'll be back to the Boulder River.
Kim has posted photos here: Nwhikers Report
Click on thumbnails to get larger pictures.
Trips - 2008
Home
The trail can best be described as every shade of green imaginable. Big trees, small trees, moss, brush, and berry bushes. You name it it's there. We made slow progress in the first mile as there was lots to see. For most people the falls are the highlights of the trail. We stopped there for photos then dropped down to river level for more. The falls were full though not crazy big. The recent cold weather seemed to have slowed the snow melt above.
After the falls we continued on. The trees became even bigger. There was some mud and water on the trail but overall it is in good shape. There were only a few logs that proved difficult to get around. Several miles along the trail the first of the crowds caught up with us. They blew on by on the way to the end of the trail. Although we have had a cold spring I was heartened to see berry bushes loaded with big green berries. Perhaps we will have a good berry season after all.
I had a turn around time set and our slow pace became a concern. We picked up the pace in an effort to make it to the river ford at the end of the route. The last mile is a bit muddy. We still had no trouble getting through. I kept thinking we were near the end and then around the next corner was another section of trail. I pushed my turn around time I was so sure we were near the end. Finally I gave up and we stopped for lunch.
The overcast was breaking up and it was actually sunnier than we wanted. Oh well, you can't have everything. On the way back we met half a dozen groups comng in. It was much less of a crowd than I expected. This is not a trail with a lake or a great summit view. It does have the waterfalls but the real reason to go is the trail itself. Flowers, moss, big trees, and a roaring river close by. Those are plenty of reasons why I'll be back to the Boulder River.
Kim has posted photos here: Nwhikers Report
Parking Lot |
Very Green Fern |
Fern Wall |
False Solomon's Seal |
Star Flower |
Unfurling |
Bunchberry |
Base Of Falls |
Feature Show Falls |
Falls Close Up |
Mossy Rocks |
More Green |
Droplets |
Huckleberry |
Tree Hugger |
All Lit Up |
Will Ya Look At That |
Coiled Fern |
Green Coil |
Full Sized |
Yet Another |
Bouder River |
Down River |
Beetle |
Mystery Flower |
Trips - 2008
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