Overview
The Lewis River Falls Trail is the best single-day hike in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Over 9 miles out and back, you'll pass three distinct waterfalls, each with its own character, connected by a well-maintained path through some of the finest old-growth forest in southern Washington.
Lower Falls (43 feet) is the showstopper. Middle Falls (31 feet) is the widest and best for photography. Upper Falls (60 feet) is the tallest and the most dramatic in a narrow canyon setting. Taken together, this trail offers a waterfall density that rivals anything in the Columbia River Gorge, with a fraction of the crowds. It regularly appears in the best hikes near Seattle as a top southern Washington day trip, and it's worth comparing with Falls Creek Falls, a shorter waterfall hike about 30 minutes west that works well as a same-day companion.
The trail sits at a relatively low elevation (around 1,600 to 2,000 feet), which means it opens earlier in the season than most Cascades hikes. By late April or early May, when higher trails are still buried under snow, the Lewis River corridor is green, flowing hard with snowmelt, and ready for hiking.
Getting to the Trailhead
From Portland, take I-5 north to Woodland (exit 21). Follow SR-503 (Lewis River Road) east for about 45 miles. The road becomes Forest Road 90 as you enter the national forest. The Lower Falls Recreation Area parking lot is on your right, well-signed. Total drive time from Portland is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From Vancouver, WA, take SR-503 north through Battle Ground and continue east. It's roughly 50 miles and about 1.5 hours.
The parking lot is large (around 40 spaces) with vault toilets and a few picnic tables. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30/year) is required for parking. On summer weekends, especially July and August, the lot fills by 10 AM. Arrive before 9 AM or plan for a late afternoon start.
The Route
Lower Falls (0.0 to 0.5 miles)
From the parking lot, a short paved path leads down to the Lower Falls viewpoint. You'll hear the falls before you see them. Lower Falls drops 43 feet into a wide pool that's popular for swimming in summer. The mist from the falls creates a microclimate that keeps the surrounding moss and ferns brilliantly green even in dry years.
A stairway descends to the base of the falls and the swimming area. The water temperature hovers in the mid-50s F even in August, so prepare for a cold shock. The pool is deep enough for jumping from the lower rocks (check depth first, as it changes year to year), but be cautious on the wet surfaces.
Lower Falls to Middle Falls (0.5 to 2.5 miles)
The trail heads upstream from Lower Falls along the north bank of the Lewis River. This is where the hike gets good. You're walking through old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar, some of them 500-plus years old, with trunks over 6 feet in diameter. The forest floor is thick with sword fern and oxalis, and the river is always within earshot.
The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat through this section, with a few short uphill pitches. Footbridges cross several small side creeks. In spring, these crossings can be muddy, so waterproof boots are a good idea.
At around 2.5 miles, you'll reach Middle Falls. This is the widest of the three falls, spreading across a broad basalt ledge and dropping about 31 feet. There's a viewing platform with a clear sightline. The falls are best photographed in the morning when soft light comes through the canopy without harsh shadows.
Middle Falls to Upper Falls (2.5 to 4.5 miles)
The trail continues upstream with a bit more elevation gain. You'll climb about 600 feet over 2 miles, mostly on gradual switchbacks through dense forest. The character of the river changes here, narrowing into a rocky gorge with small cascades and deep green pools between the main falls.
Upper Falls appears at about 4.5 miles. At 60 feet, it's the tallest of the three, plunging into a narrow basalt canyon. The viewpoint sits above the falls and gives you a perspective looking down into the gorge. In spring, the volume of water here is impressive, and the spray reaches the viewing area.
This is the turnaround point for the standard out-and-back hike. The trail does continue upstream beyond Upper Falls, connecting to Quartz Creek Trail and other backcountry routes, but those add significant mileage and are less maintained.
The Return (4.5 to 9.0 miles)
Head back the way you came. The return is mostly downhill and goes faster. Budget 3 to 4 hours for the full out-and-back at a moderate pace, or 5 to 6 hours if you plan to swim and linger at each falls.
Trail Conditions by Season
May and June: Peak waterfall flow. The river is swollen with snowmelt and all three falls are at their most powerful. The trail may have muddy patches and a few blowdowns early in the season. This is arguably the best time to hike this trail if you want maximum waterfall drama.
July and August: Prime summer hiking. Water flow decreases but the falls are still impressive. Swimming conditions are best. Expect the most company on the trail, particularly near Lower Falls.
September and October: Fall color arrives in late September. Big-leaf maple and vine maple turn gold and orange along the river. Water flow is lowest, which reveals more of the basalt rock structure at each falls. Fewer hikers, cooler temps.
November through April: The trail is accessible in mild winters, though rain is frequent and the path can be slippery. The forest is lush and moody in winter, and you'll likely have the trail to yourself. Check for blowdowns and washouts before heading out.
What to Bring
- Water: Bring at least 2 liters per person. The river water is not reliably safe to drink without treatment, even though it looks clean.
- Traction footwear: The trail surface near the falls is often wet and rocky. Waterproof hiking boots with good grip are ideal.
- Layers: Even in summer, the deep forest canopy keeps temperatures 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the parking lot. Bring a light fleece or rain shell.
- Camera or phone with waterproof case: Mist from the falls coats everything within 50 feet. Lens wipes are useful.
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel: If visiting June through September and you want to swim at Lower Falls.
Tips for a Better Hike
Start early on weekends. Lower Falls is one of the most visited spots in the entire national forest. By starting at 8 AM, you'll have the first viewpoints mostly to yourself and pass the returning crowds on your way back.
Don't stop at Lower Falls. Many visitors walk to Lower Falls, take photos, and leave. Middle and Upper Falls are quieter and arguably more scenic. The 4 miles between Lower and Upper Falls are where this hike really shines.
Hike upstream, not downstream. Starting at Lower Falls and hiking to Upper Falls means you save the easiest waterfall access and the swimming hole for the end of your hike. It also means each waterfall gets progressively more dramatic.
Bring trekking poles for the Middle-to-Upper section. The elevation gain is moderate, but the rocky sections near Upper Falls benefit from extra stability, especially when wet.
Combine with a campground stay. Lower Falls Campground (43 sites, $22/night, reservable) sits right at the trailhead. Spending a night here lets you hike in the golden hour light, both morning and evening, when the falls are most photogenic and the crowds are gone.
Nearby
- Lower Falls Campground: 43 sites, $22/night, directly at the trailhead. Reserve through recreation.gov for summer weekends.
- Curly Creek Falls: A short 0.5-mile walk to a less-visited waterfall, trailhead on Forest Road 90 about 3 miles east of Lower Falls.
- Ape Cave: The longest lava tube in the continental U.S., about a 30-minute drive north on Forest Road 83. Open year-round, 42 degrees F inside.
- Lava Canyon: A 6.5-mile loop through a volcanic gorge created by the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, about 45 minutes north. A very different hike from the Lewis River corridor but equally compelling.
- Swift Reservoir: Swimming and boating on the Lewis River's largest reservoir, 15 minutes west on Forest Road 90.
The Lewis River Falls Trail is the kind of hike where you understand why people move to the Pacific Northwest. Three waterfalls, ancient forest, and clear water, all within a 2-hour drive of Portland. It's simply one of the best day hikes in Washington. If you want to understand why national forests like Gifford Pinchot can offer experiences that rival any national park, see our guide on national forest vs. national park.