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The falls can't be beat, the forest and trails fabulous. We have been coming once a year in the fall right after the campground season ends. And although we adore the area, I'm not so sure we will be returning the campground again unfortunately. Night one I awoke to the sounds of a LOT of critters scrambling up and down all sides of our van. It was funny (and of course a sound we've heard in forests before), until one found it's way in and joined me in my bed. What would be considered a cute mouse outside is not so adorable next to my face. It is the forest, it's their home...but of the many times we've stayed here the sounds of countless tiny feet scurrying all over our rig hasn't occurred. New issue at the campground? I duno. Can't deny the beauty and draw of the area though...it will always deserve 5 stars...just wanted to give a heads up to anyone else who isn't a fan of unwelcome nighttime visitors in their sleeping quarters. :)
Do not I repeat do not come up here in a car. The road is awful. SUV four-wheel-drive vehicle no problem. The road has many issues dips holes, a little bit of gravel, a little bit of one lane. The campground was completely empty. Only a couple people were camping there. I had tried to get a reservation, but it was full. Unfortunately not an uncommon problem in Washington state parks anyways. The fall however amazing. Which is the whole reason why we drove out here cause I wanted to see in person. There's lots of places for people of all ages to play in the water safely.
The falls are beautiful no matter what time of year. Well worth the drive and if you go during the fall, the colors only add to the splendor that is Lewis River Falls. The parking area is very close the the falls, literally only a three minute walk. There is a viewing area that gives you a top down view if the falls. You will be surprised at just how large the falls are once you arrive. A must see in the Northwest.
A really beautiful spot for both a day trip or some car camping. Had the pleasure of going on a weekday to beat some of the crowds. Would absolutely come back and book a campground next season! Note: During peak season (mid-June to mid-September) a parking reservation AND a parking permit are required. The reservation is booked through Recreation.gov ($2) and you can use a NW Forest Pass, purchase a daily permit online or purchase with cash at the day use area ($5). It will cost you a total of $7.00. Summer: Permits required. A beautiful spot for swimming and enjoying the bright blue glacial river. Clean areas amd toilets and the campgrounds looked quite spacious. Fall: Although we did not complete the hike due to inclement weather, the drive in was breathtaking, a great commute through the changing leaves. Please practice Leave No Trace LNT, I found lots of wrappers and used napkins for toilet paper along the trail. I picked up what I could. Pack it in, pack it out!
Absolutely amazing ! Beautiful! I came here with my family to swim for the day. We did not hike. Lower Lewis is becoming increasingly more popular and , as a result, more crowded. Recently, roads have closed because of erosion . Increased littering has also become a problem. When I visited July 2018, we parked about a half mile from the entrance of the day use area . Just past the bathroom, there is a short but technical trail that leads to the pool. The trail is steep and requires using a rope to lower self down large rocks. Most of the beach area requires wading across the river. The water is cold and knee deep at places. Still, many people of all fitness levels , children and dogs seemed to make it. Families had coolers and some even brought full barbecue gear . Once in the water , this is a fun and beautiful place . We enjoyed watching people jumping from the falls, although this is very dangerous. One young man left by ambulance. I recommend this day trip to anyone looking for natural beauty .
It's already been said... but WOW! Just. Plain. WOW! I hiked the full trail to see every bit of the river/falls that I could in a day and I feel like every time I saw something I thought was impressive -- I'd soon after see something even more impressive. I drove all the way up from Eugene, OR. to see this stretch of wilderness and boy was it worth it. I definitely look forward to coming back again, I'll certainly be staying a few days to snorkel and enjoy this majestic situation.
One of my favorite places! Lower Falls is just a short walk from the parking lot so this is good if you have elderly, disabled or young children that want to be able to view an amazingly beautiful waterfall without a long hike to get there. The middle and upper falls are just as beautiful, I'm my opinion. A nice, fairly easy hike woth a big payout of three waterfalls. The road to the falls is pretty rough and the pit toilet at the trailhead is completely disgusting.
Magical! Drive was so sketch, but we made it! Deff for summer. I hate public restrooms and if you do too.. well, SURPRISE its not for you so figure it out LOL. TAKE WATER SHOES. People fail to mention that! They also fail to mention the steep little area you have to go down to get to the bottom. So be patient as parents are trying to carefully go down with their kids or grandparents. Took my youth group and we loved it! We drove off away from area and ate/ had our own picnic at the nearest camp group bc theres no way your finding somewhere to sit and have a snack or lunch bc theres too many bugs flying around. Also always crowded, but expected. We got to swim, not many did bc of how cold it was, but our group managed to get use to it! Plus we drove all that way, we wanted to make it worth it lol.
Its a beautiful place. It was a pain to get across the river, it was five of us trying to get across with no shoes. The rocks are very slippery! The current was also very strong which did not help. If you plan to camp make sure you make reservations way in advanced because the campsites get booked extremely fast. Or plan on arriving super early. I wish we where more prepared for this trip but other then that its worth visiting.
Beautiful landscape. Stunning falls and outstanding outdoor experience. You need a National Pass to park. In the summer you can purchase at information center before the entrance . We went on 10/2/16 and the information center was closed for the season. We took cash $5 to get a pass at day use area. Bathrooms are outdoor/ outhouse style as most Parks are nowadays. For the approximate 8 mile hike you will need to park at the day use and follow the paths along the river. The only bathrooms I seen we 2 by the day use area. The Middle Lewis Falls was detoured and takes you up and around the parking area and then drops down back on trail again. Pay close attention to the markers to avoid any confusion. Several other hikers had dogs and kids in carriers. I don't consider myself and *active* hiker but I did fine. I took my time and enjoyed the beautiful and sunny PNW day. If you plan on bringing smaller children please be aware of areas without barriers and could be dangerous. I plan of returning with more family and friends to admire the views
Warning: !!! No signal/Very spotty. Download offline maps before going. If you're planning a trip to Lower Falls in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, come prepared. This is one of the most beautiful swimming holes I've visited in Washington, but it's also one of those places where respecting nature--and the journey to get there--is essential. The first thing I want to mention is the drive in, because it's something I wish I had known beforehand. If you have a small or low-clearance car, take your time. The last 1 1/2 to 2 miles are on an unpaved dirt road with potholes, dips, loose gravel, and no guardrails in some sections. The road is narrow enough that it almost feels like a one-lane road, even though traffic travels both directions. There are no center lines, so be mindful of oncoming vehicles and share the road carefully. I highly recommend driving 10 mph or less. There are signs warning about some of the larger dips, and they're there for a reason. If you hit them going 15 mph or faster--especially in a smaller car--your suspension and axles are going to feel it. It's not a difficult drive if you take it slow, but patience is definitely rewarded here. I brought my dog with me, and because of that, I'd personally rate this hike as hard. The trail itself isn't especially long, but getting down to the falls requires navigating steep, uneven terrain, and the final descent can be slippery. When you arrive at the trailhead, make a right and follow the well-worn paths. Eventually you'll come across ropes that help you descend the steeper sections. They're there for a reason--use them. They'll lead you all the way down to the falls. The waterfall itself is stunning. The water is shallow when you first step in, but don't let that fool you. As you move closer to the falls, there's a sudden drop-off. The right side tends to stay a bit shallower, but the rocks throughout the area are incredibly slippery. Water shoes with good grip are an absolute must. Even with them, take your time. I saw people cliff jumping, tubing, swimming, and even fishing (although I didn't notice any fish myself). If you're planning to float, I highly recommend bringing a life jacket. Before you even reach the trail, there's a large warning sign explaining that someone lost their life here after slipping on the rocks. It's a sobering reminder that this beautiful place deserves caution and respect. There's also a rocky, pebble-covered area beside the falls that's perfect for laying out a towel and soaking up the sun. My dog loved splashing around in the water, although it was very cold. If you're bringing your own dog, consider a canine life jacket if they aren't a confident swimmer. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around. A few practical tips: there are restrooms near the entrance, but during my visit there wasn't a handwashing station, and toilet paper can run out. Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and baby wipes just in case. The trail also gets muddy because everyone is walking back and forth from the water, so don't wear shoes you're trying to keep spotless. Parking requires a $5 day-use fee, either paid in cash on-site or purchased online before you arrive. Also, keep in mind that the Discover Pass is not valid here because this is a National Forest, not a Washington State Park. Lower Falls is absolutely worth the trip. The emerald water, the sound of the falls, and the surrounding forest make it feel like you've discovered a hidden corner of Washington. Just come prepared, respect the water, take the drive slowly, and you'll have an unforgettable day. read more
I came here by myself and did not know that you need to make the parking reservation online ($5) then get a day pass to use ($2), so $7 total. Thank gosh for the super duper helpful and kindhearted camp host who helped me out. Thankful for him! So much so!! I was truly so worried that I could not go here after having driven for 3 hours, but it was all good. I was still able to go and oh my goodness! So beautiful. Not a hard hike and only like 1/8 miles away of a walk from the parking site to the waterfalls. Be watchful of the slippery rocks because you can easily get lost in the rapid waters if you tryna get a super duper cool photo of the waterfalls. No signal when I was in the parking site and on the way to this location for a couple miles out. So, have your offline maps ready. read more
Came up here after seeing all the beautiful pictures and our experience did not disappoint. We weren't quite sure what to expect so I budgeted a whole day for the visit. We got a parking pass for the upper parking lot (just above the upper falls) and then we proceeded to hike from there all the way down to the lower falls, stopping at the upper and middle falls to check everything out. The scenery is beautiful and the falls were great. Our favorite were the lower falls, which the kids loved to play in. It's definitely a long drive from Cougar and the road has lots of twists, turns, and dips, but so glad we finally did it. read more
The falls can't be beat, the forest and trails fabulous. We have been coming once a year in the fall right after the campground season ends. And although we adore the area, I'm not so sure we will be returning the campground again unfortunately. Night one I awoke to the sounds of a LOT of critters scrambling up and down all sides of our van. It was funny (and of course a sound we've heard in forests before), until one found it's way in and joined me in my bed. What would be considered a cute mouse outside is not so adorable next to my face. It is the forest, it's their home...but of the many times we've stayed here the sounds of countless tiny feet scurrying all over our rig hasn't occurred. New issue at the campground? I duno. Can't deny the beauty and draw of the area though...it will always deserve 5 stars...just wanted to give a heads up to anyone else who isn't a fan of unwelcome nighttime visitors in their sleeping quarters. :) read more
2 years ago
Do not I repeat do not come up here in a car. The road is awful. SUV four-wheel-drive vehicle no problem. The road has many issues dips holes, a little bit of gravel, a little bit of one lane. The campground was completely empty. Only a couple people were camping there. I had tried to get a reservation, but it was full. Unfortunately not an uncommon problem in Washington state parks anyways. The fall however amazing. Which is the whole reason why we drove out here cause I wanted to see in person. There's lots of places for people of all ages to play in the water safely. read more
The falls are beautiful no matter what time of year. Well worth the drive and if you go during the fall, the colors only add to the splendor that is Lewis River Falls. The parking area is very close the the falls, literally only a three minute walk. There is a viewing area that gives you a top down view if the falls. You will be surprised at just how large the falls are once you arrive. A must see in the Northwest. read more
A really beautiful spot for both a day trip or some car camping. Had the pleasure of going on a weekday to beat some of the crowds. Would absolutely come back and book a campground next season! Note: During peak season (mid-June to mid-September) a parking reservation AND a parking permit are required. The reservation is booked through Recreation.gov ($2) and you can use a NW Forest Pass, purchase a daily permit online or purchase with cash at the day use area ($5). It will cost you a total of $7.00. Summer: Permits required. A beautiful spot for swimming and enjoying the bright blue glacial river. Clean areas amd toilets and the campgrounds looked quite spacious. Fall: Although we did not complete the hike due to inclement weather, the drive in was breathtaking, a great commute through the changing leaves. Please practice Leave No Trace LNT, I found lots of wrappers and used napkins for toilet paper along the trail. I picked up what I could. Pack it in, pack it out! read more
8 years ago
Absolutely amazing ! Beautiful! I came here with my family to swim for the day. We did not hike. Lower Lewis is becoming increasingly more popular and , as a result, more crowded. Recently, roads have closed because of erosion . Increased littering has also become a problem. When I visited July 2018, we parked about a half mile from the entrance of the day use area . Just past the bathroom, there is a short but technical trail that leads to the pool. The trail is steep and requires using a rope to lower self down large rocks. Most of the beach area requires wading across the river. The water is cold and knee deep at places. Still, many people of all fitness levels , children and dogs seemed to make it. Families had coolers and some even brought full barbecue gear . Once in the water , this is a fun and beautiful place . We enjoyed watching people jumping from the falls, although this is very dangerous. One young man left by ambulance. I recommend this day trip to anyone looking for natural beauty . read more
7 years ago
It's already been said... but WOW! Just. Plain. WOW! I hiked the full trail to see every bit of the river/falls that I could in a day and I feel like every time I saw something I thought was impressive -- I'd soon after see something even more impressive. I drove all the way up from Eugene, OR. to see this stretch of wilderness and boy was it worth it. I definitely look forward to coming back again, I'll certainly be staying a few days to snorkel and enjoy this majestic situation. read more
One of my favorite places! Lower Falls is just a short walk from the parking lot so this is good if you have elderly, disabled or young children that want to be able to view an amazingly beautiful waterfall without a long hike to get there. The middle and upper falls are just as beautiful, I'm my opinion. A nice, fairly easy hike woth a big payout of three waterfalls. The road to the falls is pretty rough and the pit toilet at the trailhead is completely disgusting. read more
6 years ago
Beautiful waterfall be careful jumping off the waterfall it can be slippery up there, wear water shoes. Very small hike from the parking lot, cold water but perfect for when it's hot outside. read more
8 years ago
Magical! Drive was so sketch, but we made it! Deff for summer. I hate public restrooms and if you do too.. well, SURPRISE its not for you so figure it out LOL. TAKE WATER SHOES. People fail to mention that! They also fail to mention the steep little area you have to go down to get to the bottom. So be patient as parents are trying to carefully go down with their kids or grandparents. Took my youth group and we loved it! We drove off away from area and ate/ had our own picnic at the nearest camp group bc theres no way your finding somewhere to sit and have a snack or lunch bc theres too many bugs flying around. Also always crowded, but expected. We got to swim, not many did bc of how cold it was, but our group managed to get use to it! Plus we drove all that way, we wanted to make it worth it lol. read more
7 years ago
Its a beautiful place. It was a pain to get across the river, it was five of us trying to get across with no shoes. The rocks are very slippery! The current was also very strong which did not help. If you plan to camp make sure you make reservations way in advanced because the campsites get booked extremely fast. Or plan on arriving super early. I wish we where more prepared for this trip but other then that its worth visiting. read more
Beautiful landscape. Stunning falls and outstanding outdoor experience. You need a National Pass to park. In the summer you can purchase at information center before the entrance . We went on 10/2/16 and the information center was closed for the season. We took cash $5 to get a pass at day use area. Bathrooms are outdoor/ outhouse style as most Parks are nowadays. For the approximate 8 mile hike you will need to park at the day use and follow the paths along the river. The only bathrooms I seen we 2 by the day use area. The Middle Lewis Falls was detoured and takes you up and around the parking area and then drops down back on trail again. Pay close attention to the markers to avoid any confusion. Several other hikers had dogs and kids in carriers. I don't consider myself and *active* hiker but I did fine. I took my time and enjoyed the beautiful and sunny PNW day. If you plan on bringing smaller children please be aware of areas without barriers and could be dangerous. I plan of returning with more family and friends to admire the views read more
7 years ago
8 years ago
Beautiful and huge falls. An awesome place for a one day trip from Seattle. Beware of Rough roads. Specially while you return back from that place. read more
6 years ago
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