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Boulder Creek Trail

Boulder Creek Trail

NPS Matt Goetz

General Location: 8 miles south of Lake Sutherland.

Trailhead: Boulder Creek trailhead

Notices:

• 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.

 

Description

Ecosystem type: Montane forest
Trail tread types: Well maintained
General elevation trend: Flat
River crossings: Several 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 may be closed before trailhead in winter. Check road conditions [phone]

 

Trail Conditions

 

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the 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 (gather 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 prohibited at Olympic Hot Springs and the Boulder Creek Campground.
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.