Boulder River Hike

Since we don't think there will be any snow for the rest of the winter, we took advantage of this unseasonably nice weather and hiked 2 weekends in a row! Yesterday, we headed up north to Boulder River, which is east of Darrington. We haven't really done much hiking outside of the Central Cascades, so it was fun to try out a new area, and really nice to get outside again. This hike was a bit longer at 8.6 miles round trip, and a bit more strenuous than the stroll we had last weekend, so we are getting good and warmed up for some tougher hikes this spring and summer!

This hike goes along the Boulder River, and passes three lovely waterfalls before ending at a nice camping area at the river's edge. You can keep going, but you have to ford the river to get to the trail on the other side! No thanks!

This was a cool spur on the trail that we headed up, with a crazy view down to the river FAR below us. Being a bit freaked out by heights, we didn't take any pictures and quickly headed back down to the safety of the main trail!

The sunshine peaked through all the lush greenery along the trail. I have been suffering from some pretty intense sinus headaches the last couple of weeks, but as soon as we get up into the mountain air, they disappear! Now all I want to do is go walking in the woods!

Pretty views along the way, not many of the mountains in the distance, but this one was great!

The lovely Boulder River. I love the sound of rivers flowing over rocks, such a soothing song they sing!

We scrambled down a rocky wet trail to get a view of the first waterfall, not realizing this was the little one!

The second falls were much bigger and spectacular, though we weren't able to get down to the river for a closer look on these ones.

Taking a breather on one of the huge fallen logs along the river!

This pretty little bridge was the only stream crossing that was actually in tact. The railing was nice, as there was a substantial drop on one side!

We've got some big trees in these woods!

The third waterfall, so pretty!

Settling in for a nice lunch along the river bank. There was some great spots to camp here on the river, and Kevin is itching for some overnight trips. We may have to head back soon for a camping trip! I'd like it if it were a little warmer, but I'll sacrifice for my husband! :)

The drive home was very pretty with the sunset, and a great big rainbow! Another awesome day in the woods for us! Kevin is taking off in a little bit for another business trip. I'm looking forward to the long break he has until May with no traveling booked! Too many days apart lately! I'm hoping to get lots of knitting done, including a pair of socks for him that I have been working on off and on for well over a year! Sheesh! Then on Friday we are heading to the coast for a weekend getaway with some friends at a cabin! Looking forward to the little vacation!