boulder river trail

Boulder River Trail
Sept. 1968

Main Boulder Falls © Ken James McLeod
(not located on trail - photo circa 1987)

Here on the trail, the trees towing towards the sky and the lush green-ferns and moss blanket the forest floor, deer tracks are seen in the mud. Salmon berry bushes hang over the trail clouding the way, and I think, "how rich it is with life here in this rain forest."

The trail goes by an old 3-sided shelter located just above the stream: its roof leaks badly and I think it's not long before the entire structure will collapse. "How many folks have stayed here on their journey while in need of shelter to and fro." I wonder? A ruffed grouse flushes topping the hardwoods as I make my way up the trail.

Beyond, is a walk through the dank conifer forest and as the trail climbs a bit, it passes by three separate waterfalls which pour off Boulder Ridge directly into the Boulder itself, that is, before the trail somewhat ends at Boulder Ford. But not before one gets spectacular views of the creek's deep pools and rushing riffles as it wanders to blend with the North Fork Stillaquamish River located miles below.

At Boulder Ford, the sun comes out a bit, I have lunch and lay next to a small gravel bar and rest, only to fall asleep with the whispers of the stream echoing through my ears. Hours later, awakened by the song of the Thrush, I think about the world and what it will become? And of where my life will lead? But before me, this minute, is the Boulder and all its green-white foamy splendor . . . should I need be anyway else?