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Boulder River Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 287 Google reviews · Running trail in Arlington, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Boulder River Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic hike along the river to a waterfall nestled in an old-growth forest.
What runners say about Boulder River Trail
“As for the falls itself, it's one of the most unique and beautiful you will find around here since it comes in parallel to the river.”
“Incredibly family friendly, especially if only going to the first waterfall (about 1 mile in).”
Says it's 7 miles round trip, but there is nothing to see beyond the second set of falls. Just go to the second set of falls and turn around. Lots of fun features like bridge's and cut out logs. Falls are gorgeous.
Please read my whole review!! First off I want to say that Arlington in general is a beautiful area, so much green and so many trees and many farm animals but when you do arrive to the trail site, please note that if you’re coming from Seattle/Shoreline your drive is going to be an hour in about five minutes but the…
This is one of my favorite places, well worth the drive. It's a fairly easy hike, with lots of beautiful sights along the way in any season. Note1: It will be hard to maintain a social distance at many points on the trail.
Wonderful trail, no snow in December so good for a winter hike. The trail is deep enough in the mountains to feel like you are hiking in the cascades, but low enough elevation to keep it mostly snow free and "easy" to access. The road leading to the trail head has a lot of pot holes, watch out and go slow driving up!
Trail conditions & character
“Waterfalls, the river, and all the moss and lichen hanging from the trees makes for a fantastic PNW adventure for hikers, backpackers and families alike!”
“Small lot for parking, there is a bathroom on your way up to the trail, I believe it's 3 miles from the trail, so make sure to use on your way up!”
“The trail is deep enough in the mountains to feel like you are hiking in the cascades, but low enough elevation to keep it mostly snow free and "easy" to access.”
“Small lot for parking, there is a bathroom on your way up to the trail, I believe it's 3 miles from the trail, so make sure to use on your way up!”
“Parts of the trail are wide and easy to navigate, but there are also lots of roots and rocks and then downed trees across the trail from the recent storms.”
“Gorgeous views and thankfully, everyone's dog was on a leash.”
“Some are hard to avoid, so unless you're really confident in your gravel road driving skills, higher clearance vehicles are probably best.”
Plan your run at Boulder River Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 800-627-0062
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Arlington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
River Meadows County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 729 reviews
Fishing, swimming, hiking & other activities on 150 acres with campgrounds & a yurt village.
Country Charm Conservation Area
4.2 ★★★★☆ 123 reviews
Nature preserve featuring a trail that leads to a beach on the river.