BOULDER RIVER WILDERNESS, WA :: The Boulder River trail is a nearby favorite. As usual, it was wet and muddy, with many blowdowns to weave around, crawl under, or climb over. I was plenty dirty by the time I got back to my car!

This trail is definitely more about the journey than the destination, as there really isn't anything at the turn-around point. At the four mile mark, you'll find a bank of the river and a few overpopulated campsites amidst damp ground and stinking skunk cabbage. There are better river sites and views along the trail, including a couple waterfalls. I saw many groups of backpackers heading in, and I wasn't sure why or where they were going to setup camp, but then again, back in the day, I've camped here a couple times as well. Neither were particularly good experiences (constant rain and an unidentifiable stench during one trip, and a merciless attack of biting flies during the other), but we made the best of it.

I hiked all the way to the end just to see if conditions had improved over the past few years... They haven't, but along the way I was able to enjoy the lush scenery, large trees, the river, the waterfalls, and a couple small details. This hike is a little over eight miles roundtrip, with some minor ups and downs totalling 1000 feet.

Hi John,

Thanks for sharing once again.

Nice shots. I must have a go at longer exposures. Did you carry a large tripod with you? What length exposures should I try to get that sort of water effect.

All the best Keith

Hi Keith!

When I go hiking, I usually carry a little tiny tripod with legs no longer than six inches each. You might have noticed the perspective in each of these photos is from a low angle. Sometimes I can find a rock or branch to prop it on.

The exposure times were about half a second for the larger fall, and up to six seconds for the little creek at f/16. I also used a polarizer to cut through the water reflections.

John

Nice pics with a classic understatement on the "neither were particularly good experiences".
:)

Hiking season means more pics!

Thankfully, Ranger Jake's persistence and skill at lighting wet wood saved the first trip.

And actually, the second trip with the Bakers, McIvors, Caroline and Pete wasn't bad. Chubby bunny made up for the killer flies.

Are you going to be in town at all this summer for a camping trip?

John

Thanks John,

I just got one of those mini tripods. I'll pick up a polarizer and then I'll be good to go. Thanks for the suggested settings

These are some amazing pictures John, more so since I personally think there are very few photo-centric places on that hike. This are are terrific. I really love the pop of the greens and the shadow detail!