Boulder Lake, Stanislaus National Forest, California

Boulder Lake Hike

Carson-Iceberg Wilderness

Mileage to Iceberg Meadow

  • Pinecrest - 59 miles
  • Sonora - 88 miles
  • Stockton - 148 miles
  • Sacramento - 193 miles
  • Modesto - 136 miles

Boulder Lake Trail

The 4-mile hike from the end of the Clark Fork Road at Iceberg Meadow to Boulder Lake starts off easy as the trail follows the Clark Fork up the gradual incline of the forested valley. Fishing is good along this portion of the Clark Fork. The second half of the hike presents different challenges with a steep grade and rugged, poorly maintained trail.

Boulder Lake is really not much more than a pond in a peaceful forest setting. It makes a good place for a picnic. Likely you will be the only ones there as the lake is rarely visited.

Although most of those who do make the journey to Boulder Lake do so as a day trip, backpackers could spend the night and give themselves more time to explore the area. A wilderness permit is needed for overnight trips. Pick one up at Summit Ranger Station.

Keep your eyes open as you approach Boulder Lake. Several people have reported spotting Bigfoot on the rocks above the trail; others have simply had a sensation that something was nearby. No sightings have been substantiated.


map of hike to Boulder Lake, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, California

Along the Trail to Boulder Lake

The first part of the trail along the Clark Fork stays close to the creek most of the way. Keep your eyes open for hawks which nest in the trees along the quiet valley. After 2½ miles a trail junction marks the turnoff for Boulder Creek. The main trail continues up the valley, eventually crossing St. Mary's Pass and connecting with Highway 108 near Sonora Pass.

Boulder Lake, Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, California

At first the Boulder Lake trail is fairly well established, climbing moderately along the bank of Boulder Creek. After about a mile, however, the trail crosses a branch of Boulder Creek in a meadow and then soon deteriorates, leaving hikers to negotiate rocky terrain. Although challenging, it is not beyond the abilities of most experienced hikers.

After less than 2 miles the trail levels out and Boulder Lake emerges through the trees.

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