Bottom Line:
Beautiful ala carte hikes out of multiple trailheads north of Carson, in southwest WA. Today, three distinct waterfalls all with very different characters, one smaller and elegant, the other two large and absolutely gushing. All impressive! Beautiful old-growth forest hiking, and views of the east side of Mt St Helens when transiting from Panther Creek to Lewis River by road. Permits are required to park at the Lewis River trailheads starting mid-June (see Recreation.gov) due to its popularity in the summer. Lower Lewis Falls looks like a fantastic swimming location once water volumes decrease, with a large shallow rock platform on the edge of a deep plunge pool (see pics below). There are MANY down trees on the Lewis River trail at this time posing significant obstacles.
Stats:
- Distance: 6 miles
- Vertical: ~800 ft
- Duration: 3+ hours
- Road/Parking: The road from Carson WA to these falls starts on the Wind River Hwy. The road is paved, but the NF-65 spur to Panther Creek is dirt with some potholes. The Panther Creek trailhead is not well-marked; however, there is a notable clearing and rocky face on the right side of the road at the trailhead. The trail itself is across the road (you will hear the creek) backtracking a bit down the road (white arrows painted on the road). Heading farther north on Wind River Hwy, the road to Lewis River Recreation Area becomes dirt for a short time, and one crosses a snow-park summit with some patches of snow as you wind around the east side of Mt St Helens. There are many other waterfall trailheads along this route if want to create a Grand Tour of sorts! The parking lot at Lower Lewis Falls is large and requires a permit during the summer. There is only room for a handful of cars at the upper falls trailhead. All trailheads require a National Forest Pass to park. White Falls State Park is near Maupin, OR with plenty of parking and no parking pass requirement.
- Weather: Mix of sun and cloud, high 60s, no wind (despite gusty weather in The Gorge)
- Trail: The Panther Creek hike is short but steep (<1 mile) including the rough extension down to the lower falls, where there is some exposure and risk (very slippery). There are otherwise platforms and fencing, with warning signs about the risks of falls into the creek. The Lewis Creek Trail is beautiful, with old-growth forest, flowering trees (e.g. dogwood) and amazing river views. One can hike from lower to middle, and then upper falls for ~8 miles RT, but there are MANY down trees on the trail, slowing down progress. Alternately, one can drive between trailheads for the three falls, with the trail to upper falls actually heading downstream, adding some mileage and passing another minor waterfall on route. The Lewis River is running high, and there is NO BEACH at Lower Falls to descend to river level. One would be swept away with a fall. At upper falls, there is significant exposure at the viewpoint, and again one could be easily swept away (I would say lower is family-friendly right now, but not upper). Both falls become a little more interesting, with lacy streams of water, with lower water levels into the summer. The lower falls also have river access and wading opportunities then. The short trail to descend into the White River canyon is steep and rough. One can hike into the plunge pool beyond the 2nd tier, but there is a risk of being swept away as the water rushes over the smooth rock so CAUTION (this reminded me of Yosemite Vernal Falls); there is a historic hydro building at the bottom of the canyon that is cool to check out; the ascent out of the canyon on the rough trail will get your heart pounding :)
- Takeaway: The Oregon side of The Gorge is certainly known for its waterfalls, but the WA side is no slouch either! The WA falls are more remote, and that means fewer crowds. Lewis River Recreation Area is a great destination with a possible 14-mile one-way hike passing through lower, middle and upper falls that I will need to try next time. Panther Creek is a ~1 hour RT detour on the way to Lewis River. This is an ideal time of year for all, although Panther had lower than optimal water, and the Lewis Falls were gushing, and probably a little more interesting with lower water. Down in Oregon, White River falls is a stunner - there are camping opportunities on the bluff above the falls
I have attached a 4K video of the WA waterfalls - maybe more impressive than still pics ;) There is also a reel in Instagram that includes these falls, but also White River Falls in Oregon (near Maupin), a three-tiered huge waterfall in a canyon.
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