Lewis, N. Fork

3. Quartz Creek to Cussed Hollow (The Falls)

Reach banner
DifficultyV+
Length4.1 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
GaugeLewis River Above Muddy River Near Cougar, Wa
Flow Rate as of 1 hour
843 cfsrunnable
Reach Info Last UpdatedApril 19, 2022

River Description

This section of river includes four big waterfalls: Taitnapum (aka Taidnapam), Upper Lewis Falls, Middle Lewis Falls, and Lower Lewis Falls. All are for skilled paddlers with solid experience running big drops and a full safety team. Ideal flows for each drop vary with flow.  In the summer the drops become less consequential and make for reasonable 'step-up' waterfalls.

PDX River Explorers has some beta: Lewis River Waterfall Run

And so does Into the Outside:  North Fork Lewis

Logistics: The most direct route for most paddlers is to take Highway 530 from I-5 east into Gifford Pinchot National Forest where the road transitions to FR 90 (you can also come in from the Trout Lake side once the road is clear of snow). The Lower Falls Recreation Area is at mile 29.7 on FR 90. The Middle Falls Trailhead is at mile 30.8. The Upper Falls Trailhead at Quartz Creek is at mile 32.5. You can follow this trail along Quartz Creek to the point where it joins the Lewis River just upstream of Taitnapum Falls. The trail is very popular in the summer and you can expect to have spectators.


River Features

Taitnapum

Class: VDistance: -75.2 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Taitnapum

A 16' waterfall just downstream of Quartz Creek.

Upper Lewis River Falls

Class: V+Distance: -74.9 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Upper Lewis River Falls

58' Waterfall

Middle Lewis River Falls

Class: VDistance: -74 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Middle Lewis River Falls

33' waterfall

Lower Lewis River Falls

Class: V+Distance: -72.5 mi
Waterfall / Large Drop
Lower Lewis River Falls

43' waterfall

Take Out

Distance: 0 mi
Take Out

Put In

Distance: 0 mi

BB
Brett Barton

Sep 2, 2011


at the lip

BB
Brett Barton

Sep 2, 2011


at the lip POV

SS
Susan Saul

Jun 12, 2007


Upper Falls, Lewis River.
Upper Falls, Upper Lewis River
Lower Falls, Upper Lewis River
Lower Falls, Upper Lewis River