Boulder Lake and Bonney Meadows

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike follows the Boulder Lake Trail 463 past the lake to end up at Bonney Meadows for some amazing wildflower views. While most of this hike is moderate, a few sections slog over 15 percent grades.

There's a small creek crossing near the top at Bonney Meadows that's very easy in August. Check the 44 Trails Association website to find out if they have been through to do trail maintenance before you go.

About 50% of the trail is exposed, so make sure to use sun protection.

Butterflies are EVERYWHERE in early August.

Lots of blueberry bushes grow along the way, as well as near breaks in the trees that provide views out across the valley. The trail passes through several rock fields, but is well maintained and rock scrambling is not really necessary.

Sometimes you'll run into campers from the Bonney Meadows Campground up above (which is more of a car camping experience) who are hiking down to the lake for the day. Once you reach the top of the ridge, you'll have a tiny creek crossing and then the trail spills out into the main campground area, where you can make use of the vault toilet and then venture out into the meadow to look at wildflowers.

You can make this trip longer by heading up to Bonney Butte for some amazing views of Mt. Hood. That viewpoint is also used by Hawk Watch to track the raptors in the area. Echo Point is also nearby and has Hood views as well.

Blueberries and wildflowers abound in this area.