Boulder Cave Trail #962

Area Status: Closed

Boulder Cave Day Use Area closed on September 17, 2023 for the winter. The 2024 reopening date has not yet been determined.

New this season the site will be transitioning to a timed-reservation system through Recreation.gov. Reservations will need to be made in advance of your visit. Tickets are available for reserving 14 days. WALK-INS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED

Boulder Cave Trail #962 is a 1.5 mile round trip trail with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain beginning at the parking lot of the day use picnic area. It climbs gradually to a trail loop going to the Cave entrance. The trail meanders through a 330 foot basalt rock cave with Devil Creek flowing alongside.

Title:	Boulder Cave 2015
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Title:	Boulder Cave
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Title:	National Recreation Trail logo
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Title:	Boulder cave bridge
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Title:	Entrance to Boulder Cave from inside
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At a Glance

Operational Hours:	The weekly schedule and operational hours will be posted to the Recreation.gov information page for Boulder Cave Day Use area. In general reservations will begin at 10 a.m. and early entrance will be prohibited. In addition, entrance after 3 p.m. will not be allowed. Visitors will be allowed to leave the site and re-enter on the same day.
Reservations:	Beginning late May 2023, reservations will be required. Reservations will need to be made in advance at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations can be made no more than 14 days in advance, but no less than 2 days in advance depending on availability. Same day reservations are not possible. Print a copy of your reservation and/or download it to a mobile device. Forest Service staff will scan your ticket upon entry to the parking lot. Visitors may only secure one private vehicle reservation per day. The reservation holder must be in the vehicle at the time of arrival to Boulder Cave. Please read all the information provided on Recreation.gov to ensure understanding of all regulations for an enjoyable visit.
Fees:	Timed ticket reservations will be $5 per vehicle with a $2 non-refundable reservation fee. The option to use a valid Recreation Pass, such as Northwest Forest Pass or other applicable pass remains in effect. This information will need to be provided when reservations are booked. If you possess a Recreation Pass and it was used to secure your reservation, please ensure you clearly display it in your vehicle on the day of your visit.
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Best Season:	Summer
Closest Towns:	Naches, WA
Water:	Pitcher Pump
Restroom:	2 (accessible)
Passes:	A valid reservaiton is required, a Recreation Pass is accepted at Recreation.gov for a discount on reservation price at Boulder Cave Picnic Site.
Operated By:	Forest Service

General Information

General Notes:

Boulder Cave Bats

Boulder Cave trail is a highly used trail leading to the cave. The trail is dirt and becomes rougher as you descend into the canyon at the cave entrance. From the parking area the trail leads uphill for approximately 3/4 of a mile. The hardest part of the hike is walking up the trail from the cave exit.

Recent high water washed a lot of material off the cave trail and left it rough. Don't attempt going through the cave without a flashlight and watch your step.

The recent outbreak of White Nose Syndrome in the east has left millions of bats dead. Every precaution is being taken to protect the bats across the nation from the deadly fungus. Boulder Cave has been identified as one show cave of high concern. Everyone can do their part by staying on the trail and avoiding contact with the interior cave walls.

Visitors can expect to be asked to brush off their shoes on a turf mat and boot brush immediately prior to entering cave, and upon exiting cave.

Directions:

From Naches, WA take Highway 12 W for 4.4 miles and continue onto Highway 410 W and follow for another 25 miles past the community of Cliffdell. Then turn left on Forest Road 1704 / Old River Road, cross the bridge over the Naches River, take a right and follow the road to the end.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Viewing Scenery

Many areas require reservations and are not accessible without having a valid reservation. Boulder Cave Trail, Boulder Cave Day Use Area, Boulder Cave Barrier Free Trail, and Boulder Cave Group Campgrounds require reservations.

Interpretive Areas

Many areas require reservations and are not accessible without having a valid reservation. Boulder Cave Trail, Boulder Cave Day Use Area, Boulder Cave Barrier Free Trail, and Boulder Cave Group Campgrounds require reservations.

Picnicking

Many areas require reservations and are not accessible without having a valid reservation. Boulder Cave Trail, Boulder Cave Day Use Area, Boulder Cave Barrier Free Trail, and Boulder Cave Group Campgrounds require reservations.

Group Picnicking

Many areas require reservations and are not accessible without having a valid reservation. Boulder Cave Trail, Boulder Cave Day Use Area, Boulder Cave Barrier Free Trail, and Boulder Cave Group Campgrounds require reservations.