Boulder Lake Dispersed Camping Area
Open for free dispersed camping. Access is via Bonney Meadows Trailhead at 5,300 ft elevation. High-elevation Forest Service roads typically open late spring to early summer depending on snowpack. No reservations or fees required.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
FR 4613 road damage- use caution
Following December storms, the North Clackamas Bridge on FR 4613 suffered severe scour and a large hole created on the approach to the south side of the bridge. A large steel plate has been installed to maintain temporary safe passage. A less significant scour on the northern approach to the same…
Erosion hazards on Pioneer Bridle Trail
Caution: Pioneer Bridle Trail has heavy damage in multiple sections due to erosion from winter storms. Deep ruts could be dangerous for mountain bikers and other users. Bikers should be prepared to dismount for stretches. Trails staff have flagged and signed a particularly dangerous section of…
Hazards from Winter Storms
Heavy rains and strong winds created many hazards across Mt. Hood National Forest and surrounding areas during December storms. Although the storms have passed, conditions across the Forest may still be unsafe. Multiple trails and recreation sites across the Clackamas River, Hood River, and Zigzag…
Eagle Creek Fire Area Closures
In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire caused extensive damage to surrounding areas in Columbia River Gorge and parts of Mt. Hood National Forest. Some trails are closed to the public in both the Gorge and Hood River Ranger District, pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b). This closure is…
Health and Safety Closure Due to Roadside Danger Trees
This Order prohibits using any type of motor vehicle upon the following NFS Roads as described: 1) NFS Road 45 (Memaloose Road) from the bridge at highway 224 to the junction with NFS Road 45-310 and 2) NFS Road 54 from the highway 224 junction (at the bridge gate) to NFS Road 5410.
Bull Run Watershed Closure
This Order prohibits 1) Going into or being upon the area which is closed for the protection of public health or safety, 2) Being on a road, 3) Being on a trail within the area described in Exhibit A, except to travel on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 and Huckleberry Trail #617, and…
Camping Stay Restrictions
This Order prohibits 1) Camping in a single location for a period longer than 14 consecutive days and 2) Camping at any location for more than 28 days total during a calendar year on all National Forest System lands as described in this order.
Crane Creek bridge closed on the Barlow Road
The Crane Creek bridge on the Barlow Road (Forest Road 3530) is collapsed and closed. The Barlow Road is open, but it can't be driven from end to end.Crane Creek bridgeLocated approximately 0.4 miles east of the Forest Road 4885-Barlow Road junction.There are temporary barricades and signage…
Sportsman's Park Fire & Occupancy Restrictions
This Forest Order prohibits 1) Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire and 2) Camping on the Mt. Hood National Forest, Barlow Ranger District; T4S, R11E, Multiple Sections - Sportsman's Park Wildland Urban Interface Zone.
Gordon Creek Watershed Restrictions
This Order prohibits 1) Using a motor vehicle on Forest development roads, except Forest Road 15, which is also known as Larch Mt Road, 2) Using a motor vehicle on Forest development trails, 3) Possessing or using a motor vehicle off Forest development roads, and 4) Camping within the Gordon Creek…
The Dalles Watershed Closure
This Order prohibits visitors from entering or being on the roads or trails of The Dalles Watershed.
About
Boulder Lake Dispersed Camping Area occupies the site of a former Forest Service campground that has been decommissioned. The area now serves as a dispersed camping destination offering approximately 6-10 tent-only primitive campsites scattered around the lake. While the Forest Service no longer maintains the site, some remnants of the former campground remain, including a vault toilet. Campers must bring all water and pack out all trash. Reaching Boulder Lake requires a 2.2-mile hike from Bonney Meadows Trailhead via Boulder Lake Trail #463. The route is rated strenuous, beginning at 5,300 feet elevation at Bonney Meadows. From the trailhead, the trail heads northwest before descending north and eventually southeast to reach the lake. Connected trails include Boulder Lakeshore Trail #463B and Little Boulder Trail #463A for additional exploration. As dispersed camping on National Forest land, standard regulations apply: maximum 14 consecutive days at one location, 28 days total per calendar year forest-wide, and camps must be positioned at least 100 feet from the lake and streams. Campfires require use of existing fire rings with only already-downed wood. Leave No Trace principles are required.
Directions
From Hood River, take Highway 35 south to Forest Road 48. Follow FR 48 southeast, then take Forest Road 4880 to Bonney Meadows Trailhead. From the trailhead, hike Boulder Lake Trail #463 approximately 2.2 miles to reach the lake and dispersed camping area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 467-2291 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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