Top 6 Waterfalls in Lewis County

Lewis County offers a variety of scenic waterfalls. Narada Falls, located in Mount Rainier National Park, plunges 168 feet and features two distinct tiers, offering a unique visual experience. Cathedral Falls is considered one of the most photogenic in Southwest Washington, with a 248-foot single drop near Riffe Lake. Another picturesque option is Silver Falls on the Ohanapecosh River, also within Mount Rainier National Park, known for its largest plunge at 40 feet along a gorgeous river.

Yes, several waterfalls in Lewis County are suitable for families. Cathedral Falls is a great family-friendly destination near Riffe Lake. The trek to Covel Creek and Angel Falls is a rewarding 3.4-mile roundtrip adventure, and you can even walk behind the 75-foot cascade of Covel Creek Falls. Silver Falls in Mount Rainier National Park also features a family-friendly trail through stunning forests. Additionally, Box Canyon of the Muddy Fork Cowlitz River is considered family-friendly, offering a quick but impressive stop with a footbridge over a deep slot canyon.

The waterfalls in Lewis County are particularly impressive during the spring runoff when snowmelt feeds the rivers and creeks, typically before the end of June. This is when you'll experience their full power and flow. Some waterfalls, like Cathedral Falls, significantly reduce their flow in the drier summer months.

You can experience walking behind the water at Covel Creek Falls, also known as Curtain Falls. The trail runs straight behind the thin curtain of water, offering a unique and immersive experience.

The Lewis River Falls trail system features a series of impressive waterfalls, including Lower, Middle, and Upper Lewis River Falls. Lower Lewis River Falls is highly accessible, 43 feet tall and 200 feet wide. Middle Lewis River Falls is 33 feet tall and an impressive 300 feet wide. Upper Lewis River Falls, at 58 feet tall, offers intricate cascades and often forms rainbows in the mist. The breadth and complexity of these waterfalls are particularly striking.

Yes, Lower Lewis River Falls is highly accessible. Camp Creek Falls is another easily accessible option, standing 40 feet tall and flowing over a smooth, moss-framed rock face, reachable via a quarter-mile trail with minimal elevation gain. Narada Falls also offers a brief stroll below the road for the best viewing spot.

Lewis County offers various outdoor activities near its waterfalls. You can find numerous cycling routes, including touring bicycle and road cycling options, with routes like the Longmire Historic District – Narada Falls loop. There are also running trails available, such as the Packwood Lake Loop in Gifford Pinchot National Forest or a running loop from Longmire. For more details on these activities, explore the Cycling in Lewis County, Road Cycling Routes in Lewis County, and Running Trails in Lewis County guides.

There is a scenic unnamed Waterfall that is special because it flows directly over the trail, providing a natural water source before continuing its flow into the Cispus River below.

Near Ruby Falls, you can find a connection to history. This waterfall cascades over the SR 706 Bridge (Longmire-Paradise Road), and the historic roadbed from when Paradise grew is said to still be visible beneath the falls.

Many waterfalls in Lewis County are powerful, especially during spring runoff. Narada Falls is a powerful waterfall, and Little Mashel Falls (though technically in neighboring Pierce County, it's accessible from Lewis County) transforms into a raging wall of water during spring runoff. Comet Falls, also nearby, plunges over 300 feet and is known for the rainbows that often form in its spray.

Box Canyon of the Muddy Fork Cowlitz River is a dramatic, narrow gorge where the Muddy Fork Cowlitz River carves through volcanic stone. Visitors can expect a unique view into the deep slot below from a footbridge, making it an impressive stop along the Wonderland Trail.