Fortified and I soaked in the amazing conditions and sunshine to Boardman Lake & Island Lake.
The road is decent up the first 3 miles to the junction. The remaining 2 miles are much rougher. Maybe a quarter mile past the junction, there is a rocky and deep washout. Then at about 1mile past the junction, there is a bad rocky section with sharp rocks that protrude from the road bed. 4x4 and high clearance are very much appreciated and perhaps required. Parking lot had about 10 cars in it when we arrived.
The trail to Boardman was in great shape and we head/saw several groups with young kids enjoying themselves at the usual beach : )
The trail to Island Lake has become much easier to follow over the years with two new work-arounds that really improve the whole route.
There were a couple little patches of snow left in the creek valley heading up and a small amount at Island Lake. The Lake was mostly melted out but still had some ice over maybe a third of the lake. We really enjoy this lovely little lake.
Comments
Ups n Downs on Boardman Lake, Island Lake
Hi Zaranth, great report! Do you think I'd make the trailhead in my Subaru Outback? Is there anywhere to park at the bad spot a mile from the trailhead? Appreciate any info.
Posted by:
Ups n Downs on Jun 01, 2025 11:05 AM
zaranth on Boardman Lake, Island Lake
Hi! I saw a Subaru Outback at the trailhead, so it's totally doable! The only tricky spot is that deeper washout a tad past the road junction. I think staying further to the right would make clearance less of an issue. My Tahoe has 8.3" clearance and didn't scrape, and I think an Outback is similar if not more? I'd say just take it slow and you'll make it no problem. As far as parking, there is a side road a tad before the washout where you could park. There were a couple families camped on that side road when we went up on Memorial Day weekend, but normally I'd guess be open : ) Have fun!
Posted by:
zaranth on Jun 02, 2025 09:38 AM