Boulder Lake is located 5.8 miles from Appleton Pass Trailhead in Olympic National Park. The lake occupies a steep walled bowl framed by Boulder Peak and Everett Peak in the Elwha watershed. The trail closely follows Boulder Creek through towering old growth to Olympic Hot Springs, where grades steepen past the Appleton Pass Trail split along North Fork Boulder Creek to the lake. Visitors will enjoy varied terrain, hot springs access and excellent camping at Boulder Lake.

The trail to Boulder Lake rises through a dense forest of Douglas fir, Western cedar and giant hemlock

Boulder Lake with jagged Boulder Peak towering in the background

Calypso Orchid off trail - they are also called the Fairy Slipper Orchid

A large peninsula island extends out into Boulder Lake - a great place to spot fish

Up close with a banana slug - the longest slugs in the North America

From the outlet of Boulder Lake - an excellent lake for fishing and camping

Snails can be seen in the early morning and are generally active in crepuscular fashion

The trail passes through the Olympic Hot Springs - a series of 7 or more pools in varying temperature

Boulder Creek Camp provides soft grass and easy access to water - as well as the Olympic Hot Springs