Boulder Lake

Boulder Lake sits at 3,700 feet in the Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area, a protected watershed managed by the City of Everett and Snohomish County PUD. The 6.9-mile approach winds through one of the wettest corners of the North Cascades, passing Spada Lake overlooks, Sultan River canyon scenery, and dense cedar-fir forest punctuated by salmonberry, blueberry, and thimbleberry bushes.

The first three miles are gentle, following old road grades with views of Spada Lake. The middle section steepens through switchbacks in deep forest, with boardwalks crossing wet meadows. Historic vehicle bridges span several stream crossings. The lake itself sits in a basin beneath Errant Peak, Fallacy Peak, and Tang Tower, with nine primitive campsites, fishing opportunities, and room to paddle. The trail received significant maintenance from WTA work parties in recent years, and reports from 2025 describe the tread as being in excellent condition.

Access requires driving Sultan Basin Road 13.8 miles from Highway 2 in Sultan. The road turns to gravel and gets steep with sharp turns; AWD or 4WD is recommended. At Olney Pass, a self-issue permit kiosk marks the entrance to the watershed recreation area. A Discover Pass is required. The South Shore Road sometimes closes in winter due to unstable slopes. The low elevation (high point 3,700 feet) means the trail stays snow-free well into November, making it a strong shoulder-season option.