Trail #31 Lewis River

Popular with mountain bikers and hikers the 15-mile Lewis River Trail #31 remains within sight or sound of the Lewis River as you ride or hike through this valley laced with abundant side streams, springs, and waterfalls. The trail follows a gentle uphill grade through a magnificent Douglas fir, western red cedar, and big leaf maple old-growth forest.

There are several access points for Lewis River Trail #31. One end starts at Curly Creek Falls Trailhead. About 2.5 miles from the Curly Creek Falls Trailhead, visitors will encounter Bolt Camp Shelter, which was constructed around 1921 by shake bolt cutters. It was restored by volunteers in 1991. Climbing above a basalt cliff gorge, the trail crosses Forest Road 90, 9.2 miles from the trailhead. Beyond the road crossing, the trail continues upriver 1.1 miles to Lower Lewis River Falls and Lower Falls Campground/Day Use Area. Here the Lewis River plunges over a 60-foot cliff creating a breathtaking panorama.

Leaving the Lower Falls Recreation Area, the Lewis River Trail #31 skirts above the river before coming to the remains of an old “sheep” bridge and “steam donkey.” A “steam donkey” is a piece of heavy equipment used in logging prior to internal combustion engines. It was used to move timber bridges into and out of place to avoid winter floods. Wright Meadow Trail #80 joins the Lewis River Trail south of Copper Creek. Just beyond, you come to Middle Lewis River Falls, which is more a rocky chute than a waterfall. The trail climbs another mile to Alec Creek near the base of Upper Lewis River Falls. It then climbs to a cliff top overlooking Upper Lewis River Falls. Taidnapam Falls, nestled in a rocky gorge above Upper Falls, is yet another attraction. The Lewis River Trail ends on Forest Road 90 across from Quartz Creek Trail.

Spur Trails

Trail #31A provides access to viewpoints of Curly Creek and Miller Creek Falls. From Curly Creek Falls Trailhead, follow the trail west and you will soon come to Curly Creek Falls where a waterfall plummets from beneath two rock arches. This may be one of the most unusual waterfalls in the Northwest. At low water, a third rock arch can be seen in the bed of Curly Creek. Continuing westward, the trail soon leads to the Miller Creek Falls viewpoint where a waterfall plunges over a moss and fern-laden cliff into the Lewis River.

Trails #31C provides a loop down to the Lewis River where it churns over Middle Falls. Lewis River Trail #31 is reached about 0.3 miles from Middle Falls Trailhead. Continuing down, you soon come to Middle Falls. The trail then heads down the Lewis River crossing Copper Creek for a second time. You will then cross a bridge above Lower Copper Creek Falls. Continuing up is the Middle Falls Trail loop which will lead you back to the parking lot.

Trail #31E is a one-mile primitive trail that descends steeply through an old-growth forest to reach the Lewis River. It provides quick access to the river and, by wading the river, a connection with Lewis River Trail #31. The ford is only possible in the late summer when water levels are low. This spur is accessed from Speed Trailhead. 

Special Conditions: Wet rocks and cliffs along the trail, and river may be slippery.