I hiked the lower portion of this trail, from the trailhead at the Lewis River Road bridge, 1.3 miles below the Lower Falls (main Recreation area). This trail is in amazing condition - perfect for mountain biking (although I only saw one biker and one other hiker in 5 miles). If you want to explore the area in addition to the spectacular waterfalls, try this trail.
There are several picturesque creeks along the way with fun log bridges to balance across. Generally the trail meanders through alder glades and Douglas fir forest (with a lot of burned cedar). This isn't the old growth forest it once was, but it's coming back.
There is a great view of the gorge with basalt columns and a big bend around 1.8 miles. After that the trail hugs a precipice before dropping to the main river around 2.5 miles. I stopped here at a sand bar (and old fording path leading down the bank, still evident although badly eroded near the bottom).
No obstacles or tricks along this moderately-gentle grade. Big rewards abound. I bet there are lots of elk here in the off season. And there's hardly anybody here in season too.
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