I attempted to submit this trip report entering a "new" trail but I received an error message both times so I am trying again using an existing nearby trial.

We hiked the Lewis River Trail from Curley Creek Falls to an overlook at about 7.6 miles.  We did not see any hikers until our turn around point when we ran in to a couple coming from the opposite direction (Lower Lewis River Falls).  After our turn around we passed a pair near Bolt Camp and then a family of four near the end of our hike.  The mountain bikers were more abundant, maybe 15.  Definitely need to be on the lookout on blind curves.

This was a nice relatively easy hike along the Lewis River.  There are several nice camp spots along the river only a few of which were taken by the time of our return trip around 1pm.

 We began our hiking day at the TH at the Lower Falls CG day use area. We viewed the Lower Falls. Here we watched a young man jump from the top of the falls into the river and another dive into the river doing a forward flip. Because we were hiking with friends who are not frequent hikers we then drove to the TH parking for the Quartz Creek TH rather than continue to the middle falls. From here we hiked to the viewpoint above the Upper Falls where we had lunch. From there we went down to the Upper Falls and then retraced our way back to the TH. 

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.