Boulder Creek is a 8.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Trinity Center, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, trail running, camping, and backpacking and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
backpacking
camping
hiking
running
forest
lake
waterfall
Didn't make it to the lakes. 7 downed trees on the trail that we climbed over and sometimes through. Warm day. Mistakenly thought the lake was 1 mile in. Maybe another day.
On it's own, not a stunning hike. Mostly an uphill walk in the woods, with beautiful forests, huge Ponderosas and Doug fir. One campsite along the river a few miles in, but for the most part you're well above it. If you are wanting some good views, the access to Foster & Lion lakes is great. Keep along the trail til the fork and take a right. Good signage. To the left is a longer hike to Boulder Lake, which is a busy lake by backcountry standards and more easily accessed from the east - not worth going to Boulder this way except to get a workout. In short, if you plan to do this hike, take the extra time to head up to Foster & Lion Lakes.
We took this trail down from Big Boulder and little Boulder lakes. There were still many downed trees across the trail and a lot of dust and debris making for sliding conditions on the 8 mile downhill to Coffee Creek. July is not the best time to be here due to heat so pack plenty of water.
Nancy A.
Fallen trees and stream crossings made it more challenging than expected! But overall beautiful!
April 1st. Still a lot of snow above 4,000ft elevation. Started the tail at 1pm was planning on camping at the end of the trail but was not practical because the last 2 miles were covered almost entirely with snow. Turned back at 5pm and made it to the base of the trail in time to set up camp. The trail was a nice hike just no spectacular mountain top views.
Cool old growth forest. Lots of creek and stream crossings to keep you on your toes. Some large downfall from winter storms, big trees to navigate. There is always an easy rout around. Plenty of waterfalls along the way, leading up to an uneventful ending.
This was kind of an unremarkable hike, but it does have easy access in off-season months.Unfortunately, the creek stays out of sight for most of the trail, but there was one spot where it got close & had a camp-site, & another at the end of the trail where it intersects with Lion/Foster lakes Trail or continues across the creek to go to Boulder Lakes.
