| Boulder River Wilderness is made up of three narrow spires--North, Middle, and South Peaks--known collectively as Three Fingers anchor the center. Boulder River, the primary drainage, runs northwesterly from a north-south ridge that rises to a high point of 6,850 feet on South Peak. South Peak is also home to an old, precariously perched fire lookout. The high central ridge bears a narrow saw-toothed profile with several sharp summits, which include Liberty, Big Bear, and Whitehorse Mountains and Salish and Buckeye Peaks, all above 5,600 feet in elevation and flaunting sheer faces that attract rock climbers. Several steep and heavily wooded ridges thrust out east and west from the central crest of the Wilderness. Alder, willow, devil's club, and other brushy plants (encouraged by as much as 100 inches of annual precipitation) make off-trail travel tremendously arduous. Climbers often wait until winter, when snow covers the brush. Along the river you'll find ancient trees: Douglas fir, true fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar. Some old trees have reached beyond 100 feet in height. Black bears, black-tailed deer, and elk inhabit the forest, with mountain goats staking out the rocky shelves above the tree line. The great central core of the area remains rough and trailless. A short trail extends up Boulder River for 4.3 miles through old-growth forest. Three short trails climb toward the high crest and peter out. Another trail crosses the northeast corner of the Wilderness over Squire Creek Pass, with outstanding views of the high crest. Total trail miles come to about 25. |
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