NPS Matt Goetz

Boulder Creek Trail

General Location: 8 miles south of Lake Sutherland.

Trailhead: Boulder Creek trailhead

Notices:

• The Olympic Hot Springs Road is closed at Altair Campground through the duration of the Elwha Restoration project. No public access beyond Altair Campground
• The only access to Olympic Hot Springs is via Aurora Ridge or Appleton Pass. Please see Trail Conditions for more information.
• If you are heading over Appleton Pass into the Sol Duc area, all food, garbage and scented items must be stored in park approved bear canisters.
• The water quality of the hot springs is not monitored and may contain high levels of fecal coliform bacteria. Bathe at your own risk. Nudity is common.

Ecosystem type: Montane forest 
Trail tread types: Well maintained 
General elevation trend: Flat
River crossings: None - a few small streams 
Unique features: Natural Hot Springs.
Level of difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles to hot springs
Elevation change: 200 feet elevation gain.
Best Season: All year - road can be closed before trailhead in winter. Check road conditions (360) 565-3131

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at WIC in Port Angeles. No reservations necessary.
Food Storage Method: A community bear wire is available at Boulder Creek Campground.
Campsites: Boulder Creek Campground
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets
Water Source: Boulder Creek (get water above confluence of hot spring water and creek) - Always boil, filter or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent getting Giardia.
Stock: Allowed. See Stock Use.

Special Concerns:

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are allowed below 3,500 feet. 
Respect Wildlife: To protect raccoons, bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day.

Safety:

• Bathe at your own risk.
• Springs are not monitored or maintained and may contain high levels of fecal coliform bacteria.