Boulder Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Boulder Falls
Boulder Falls sits tucked into Washington’s Mount Baker National Forest and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The falls cascade over a rocky cliff into a small pool framed by old-growth forest, creating a compact but photogenic scene that draws hikers and photographers alike. Access is via the Boulder River Trail (USFS Trail #734), which brings you right to the falls’ viewpoint. The USFS classifies the trail as Trail #734 (Class 3) on a native-material surface with typical grades of 12–20%, so you’ll encounter natural tread and some steeper sections along the river corridor. The setting is inviting for a half-day trip and is stewarded as part of the National Forest system, so plan for typical backcountry conditions and pack accordingly.
The Setting
Boulder Falls sits at 1,027 feet within Mt. Baker National Forest, in the foothills of Washington.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Boulder River (#734), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
BOULDER RIVER #734
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.99 miTrail Description
Trail: Boulder River Trail (USFS Trail #734), out-and-back. Length: ~2.4 miles (USFS GIS: 2.99 miles). Difficulty: Moderate. Surface: NAT - native material. USFS class: 3. Typical grade: 12–20%. The trail follows the Boulder River through forested terrain on natural tread; expect roots, rocks, and short steeper pitches as you approach the waterfall viewpoint.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Boulder Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Boulder Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides warmer weather.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Baker National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The rocks near the waterfall can be slippery, so visitors should exercise caution. Always stay on the designated trail and avoid climbing on wet rocks. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the trail more hazardous.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on North Fork Stillaguamish River, 10.2 miles away, not on Boulder Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
875 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 98 years of record
2.75 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NF STILLAGUAMISH RIVER NEAR ARLINGTON, WA (16 km away).
Today
Strong
929 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
980 cfs
8/10Thu
Strong
1031 cfs
8/10Fri
Strong
1262 cfs
8/10Sat
Strong
1290 cfs
8/10Sun
Strong
1149 cfs
8/10Mon
Strong
1138 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — strong flow, rain (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to late December, peaking in December.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Oso hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Boulder Falls Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded strong flow slows freezing
Boulder Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 53°F to 44°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 913 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 230 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,025 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 133 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 180 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,025 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 230 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Boulder Falls is located near Index, Washington, in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Access is typically via a short drive from Highway 2, followed by a brief hike.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the trailhead, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
1,027 feet above sea level
Coordinates
48.245661° N, -121.826800° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, as the trail and rocks near the waterfall can be slippery. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Inn at Port Gardner-Everett Waterfront, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Kulshan Hotel
Encanto House A Forest Haven
PNW River Cabin
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Turlo Campground
10.5 miles away · 18 sites
Overview Turlo Campground is located just off the Mountain Loop Highway in the Mt.Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The campground is nestled in tall firs, cedars and hemlocks, adjacent to the south fork of the Stillaguamish River. The location offers individuals and families a tranquil camping experience with plenty of opportunities to fish, enjoy the river or relax at their campsite.Recreation The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has 1,500 miles of trails, ranging from smooth paths through
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Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Wallace Falls State Park and the town of Index, which offers rock climbing opportunities and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of bears and other larger animals in the region.
Cities near Boulder Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Boulder Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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