Boucher Hill
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Boucher Hill (5438′) might be light on difficulty but makes up for it with a deep history in Palomar Mountain State Park. Originally named after the Boughe family that lived there in the early 20th century, the summit is capped with a historical fire tower that is still maintained as a living museum today. The easy access gives plenty of time to enjoy the panoramic viewing deck as well as to take a tour of the tower with the Forest Fire Lookout Association volunteers on site in summer.
Route 1 is a drive-up that takes a paved road through Palomar Mountain State Park all the way to the summit. Route 2 (3 miles, 600′ gain) starts in the park at Cedar Grove Campground. The pleasant walk follows maintained trails and passes by the Bougher family’s 19th century log cabin on the way to the fire tower.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take I-15 south to Temecula.
Continue south on I-15 to SR 76.
Go east on SR 76 to its junction with S6 at the south end of Pauma Valley. Go left (east). Note your odometer and go as follows:
At 5.5 miles, fork with SR 76 straight and S6 left (north). Turn left on S6.
At 12.0 miles, a junction with S7 at Crestline. Turn left (west) on S7.
At 15 miles, Palomar Mountain State Park entrance. An entrance fee is charged at this point.
Continue to the second left turn, where four roads branch off. Straight ahead is the Nate Harrison Grade Road, take the paved road to the left of it.
Drive 1/2 mile to the summit, where there is a radio installation.
Note: The junction of SR 76 and S6 can also be reached from Warner Springs or from Julian. From Warner Springs drive south on SR 79 for 7.6 miles and then turn northwest on SR 76 to the junction of S6, then proceed as above. Or, from Julian drive north on SR 79 for about 14 miles to SR 76. Turn left and go to the junction of SR 76 and S6, then proceed as shown above.
Hiking route
None.
Parking fee required.
Driving route
See the driving instructions for Route 1. From the Park entrance, follow the signs to Cedar Grove Campground. Parking is limited.
Hiking route
The Adams Trail starts on the far side of a small meadow across from campsite No. 9 (4840′). Follow this trail for 1/2 mile to the Nate Harrison Grade Road.
Cross the road to the Boucher Trail which starts at the junction of the two one-way roads. A signpost reads 1 mile to the lookout.
Follow the trail to a small flat area. This is the site of Bougher’s 2-story log house, removed in 1963. Continue on the trail to the summit.
Route Notes
Parking fee required.
Additional Peak Information
Historical note: The man who lived here from the 1880’s to the 1920’s spelled his name Bougher, not Boucher.
Special conditions: The summit is located in the State Park. There is no entrance fee if you hike in but there is a fee for day use and for overnight camping. Due to budget restraints, the park is sometimes closed in the winter and entry is forbidden.
External Links
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External Links
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