Boulder Lake Out-and-Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

This trail is pretty steep for a good portion of the trail to the lake, but when you arrive, you'll be graced with a terrific view of Boulder Lake and an excellent spot to camp.

Start at the Gold Creek Campground. At about half a mile, turn left for the Fossil Ridge Trail. The incline starts immediately as you hike on a really beautiful trail through the forest. It's a mixed use trail, you may see dirt bikes.

At a little over 2 miles in, the steep incline decreases quite a bit to give you some flat ground for a while. Continue through the woods and when you're over 3.5 miles in, you reach the junction for Boulder Lake on your right.
Climb for another quarter mile or so, and reach the lake.

The lake is so serene and tranquil. When the wind is calm, you can see the surrounding mountains reflected on the water.

If you cross the swampy section on the right side of the lake, you can keep hiking around the lake, or if you head up the hill, there's a great viewpoint and awesome campsite.

The lake is stocked so you can fish here, enjoy the lake, and camp. When you're all done, head back down the trail the way you came.