The more of Washington you spend time exploring, the more you realize how breathtakingly beautiful of a state we’re lucky enough to live in. The Evergreen State is so geographically diverse, you can dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean and stroll through a wheat field in the same day. But nothing quite compares to the ancient forests of the Cascades.
To experience Washington’s old growth forest at its finest, check out the Boulder River Trail. While it’s a bit lengthy for beginners at 8.6 miles, it also isn’t exceptionally challenging — and the entire hike is magical, as it leads to Feature Show Falls, one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in Washington.
The Boulder River Trail is located in the North Cascades, near the city of Arlington.
Jillianne Gonzales / alltrails.com To reach the trailhead, take Highway 530 to Exit 208. Stay on 530 through Arlington, then turn right onto French Creek Road, just after milepost 41. Follow that road to the end and you’ll reach the trailhead.
The trail starts off nice and flat, winding through beautiful old growth forest.
Jillianne Gonzales / alltrails.com The huge spruces and fir trees are as impressive as the river and waterfalls you’ll see.
The Boulder River Trail obviously parallels its namesake river, but it also traverses through one of the most scenic river canyons in Washington.
T Ania Ashanti / alltrails.com Thanks to the damp, lush climate, the canyon walls support a variety of plants, from giant trees to mosses and ferns.
You’ll see several small waterfalls on your journey, but Feature Show Falls is the most impressive.
David Nakayama / alltrails.com The 259-foot waterfall splits into two streams midway through its descent down the gorge wall.
Most people think this waterfall is unnamed, or they confuse it with Boulder Falls.
Emma Foss / alltrails.com You’ll want to spend plenty of time here when you find it. The spray is always nice and refreshing.
The trail really isn’t very tricky, although there are a few switchbacks and some rocky, root-filled, and muddy spots.
David Nakayama / alltrails.com
This trail is also near some beautiful camping spots, if you’d like to stick around and enjoy the area.
Michael McCarthy / alltrails.com (We have a feeling you might want to!)
Have you visited Feature Show Falls in Washington before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience on this beautiful trail! Do you have a favorite hiking trail in Washington?
Jillianne Gonzales / alltrails.com
To reach the trailhead, take Highway 530 to Exit 208. Stay on 530 through Arlington, then turn right onto French Creek Road, just after milepost 41. Follow that road to the end and you’ll reach the trailhead.
The huge spruces and fir trees are as impressive as the river and waterfalls you’ll see.
T Ania Ashanti / alltrails.com
Thanks to the damp, lush climate, the canyon walls support a variety of plants, from giant trees to mosses and ferns.
David Nakayama / alltrails.com
The 259-foot waterfall splits into two streams midway through its descent down the gorge wall.
Emma Foss / alltrails.com
You’ll want to spend plenty of time here when you find it. The spray is always nice and refreshing.
Michael McCarthy / alltrails.com
(We have a feeling you might want to!)
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Address: Boulder River Trail, NF-2010, Arlington, WA 98223, USA
