Boulder Ridge

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Somewhat rough and unmaintained, this is an excellent trail for solitude and glacier views on Mount Baker's quiet eastern side. Predominantly used only by hunters in the fall and climbers attempting alternative southern routes up 10,781-foot Mount Baker during the spring and summer, the Boulder Ridge Trail is otherwise off the radar of most hikers.

Located at the end of a gravel forest road on the west side of Baker Lake (Reservoir), the Boulder Ridge Trail follows the south slope of Boulder Ridge starting in a second-growth forest and eventually enters into an old-growth forest dominated by giant western hemlocks. Unlike the other popular hikes on Baker's south side such as Park Butte, Dock Butte, or Railroad Grade Trail, the Boulder Ridge Trail is secluded, quiet, and ideal for escaping the crowds that descend on the Baker Lake area during the summer months.

You'll likely find yourself alone here on this heavily rooted and often overgrown trail, but the solitude will allow you to notice the more subtle aspects of the forest that are often overlooked when you may otherwise be distracted by the presence of others. Sword and deer fern line the trail, devil's club and red elderberry grow tall in the underbrush, and hemlock, silver fir, and western redcedars tower above.

For the best views, hike 3.3 miles to a 4,400-foot high point. Meander to the left towards rushing Boulder Creek and its namesake glacier.

- Description by Tyson Gillard, Outdoor Project