Looking for an easy hike? How about some swimming? Might I suggest Boardman Lake?
I took my daughter to Boardman Lake recently for a quick hike. The lake, which is off the Mountain Loop Highway past Verlot, is less than 2 miles round trip.
The trail itself is somewhat rooty and rocky. But, as it’s short, you’ll barely have time to notice before you’re at the lake. And if you really don’t want to walk far, you can check out Lake Evan, which is just a couple hundred yards up the trail. But Boardman is better, and worth the longer walk.
Hazel and I made it up the trail playing our usual game of “Boulder.” She runs ahead out of sight, sits or stands by the trail and pretends to have been turned into a statue. I unfreeze her, then I run ahead to turn into stone. Rinse, repeat with occasional stops to eat Skittles or check out weird fungi.
When we got to the lake, we found a number of people enjoying the day, but there’s room to spread out. One woman was lounging on the lake on a floating chair. I wish I’d thought of that. Hazel found a log to float around on, and then she convinced me to go swimming. The water was pretty warm for a mountain lake. I even helped Hazel do a little swimming, something she’s still working to get down.
It’s a pretty little lake, even if it was rather smoky that day. There are a few spots that would work well for a very easy backpack trip. Or just pack a picnic and have a nice day splashing in the water.
If you go
From Granite Falls, follow the Mountain Loop Highway past the Verlot Ranger Station. After 4.5 miles, turn right on Forest Road 4020, which has a sign for Boardman lake. After 2.5 miles, turn left at a junction, also with a sign. The parking area is just over 2 miles ahead on your right. The trail is on the left.
Boardman Lake does get a lot of visitors, so please be nice to the area. Pack out your trash and deal with human waste properly.
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