Lewis River Recreation Area Tickets
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
The Lewis River Recreation Area is located in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This area provides access to the popular Lewis River Trail and associated waterfall viewing. The Lewis River trail winds along a gentle grade through a magnificent Douglas fir, western red cedar and big leaf maple old-growth forest with abundant side streams, springs, and waterfalls. There are multiple access points along this 14-mile trail, including trailheads at Curly Creek Falls, Lower Falls, Middle Falls, and Quartz Creek. This trail is popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and waterfall enthusiasts, especially on hot summer days. There are two campgrounds in the Lewis River Recreation Area: Lower Falls Campground (reservations available on Recreation.gov) and Lewis River Horse Camp (First Come, First Served Only ). You can find more information here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/LRRA
The Lewis River Recreation Area Ticket and other site requirements are necessary to provide for the protection of public health and safety and resource protection. Reservations are required June 15 through September 2. Thank you for your cooperation! Reservation MUST be printed AND a hard copy must be placed on vehicle dashboard upon arrival in the Lewis River Recreation Area.
Need to Know
- Access
Lewis River Recreation Area is located on Forest Road 90, approximately 30 miles east of Cougar, WA, within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You can find more information here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/LRRA
- Parking .
Only those vehicles that have procured a parking reservation will be allowed to park in the 14-mile corridor with access to Lewis River trail and waterfalls within this corridor. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet in length are prohibited from parking in reserved parking, including busses and 12+passenger vans. Vehicles with trailers are prohibited in reserved parking. Parking Reservation MUST be printed AND a hard copy must be placed on vehicle dashboard upon arrival in the Lewis River Recreation Area.
- Entering in the Recreation Area
Parking reservations are required, one per vehicle, all day. Each reservation is valid for up to 10 hours of exploration along the Lewis River Trail. A printed copy of your ticket must be on your vehicle after parking. If you are unable to make your reserved time, please cancel your ticket by 24 hours before your ticket is valid. This will allow others the opportunity to visit the Lewis River Recreation Area. Parking Reservation MUST be printed AND a hard copy must be placed on vehicle dashboard upon arrival in the Lewis River Recreation Area.
- Reservation Limit
Visitors can purchase one reservation ticket for one vehicle per day. This ticket must be presented on your vehicle after you park. Parking Reservation MUST be printed AND a hard copy must be placed on vehicle dashboard upon arrival in the Lewis River Recreation Area.
- Day Pass Required
An additional Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park ONLY at the Lower Falls Day Use lot. If you do not have one of these passes, you may purchase a Day Pass onsite for $5. Only cash or check is accepted. A Washington State Discover Pass is not neccessary at this site.
- Entry
Vault toilet restrooms are available at Lower Falls Day Use Area and Lewis River Horse Camp, but running water is not available. Please come prepared with hand sanitizer. Drinking water is not available.
- Restrooms
The Lewis River Recreation Area is just one of many features of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For more information on visiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot .
- Visiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest
The Lewis River Recreation Area is just one of many features of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For more information on visiting Gifford Pinchot National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot .
Booking Windows
Primary Booking Window: Tickets are available beginning 2/11/2022 for the summer of 2022 for arrival between June 15th to September 6th. Any visitation prior to these dates do not require a ticket. Tickets are advanced reservation only and a limited number are available per day.
Changes and Cancellations
If you are unable to make your reserved time, please cancel your ticket by 24 hours the day before. This will allow others the opportunity to visit Lewis River Recreation Area.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
2455 HWY 141 TROUT LAKE WA 98616
Phone Number
509-395-3400
Available Tickets
- Crab Creek
- Lower Falls
- Middle Falls
- Upper Falls
- Wright Meadows (Reserved for Motorized Trail Users)
- Platinum Creek Parking (Formerly Lewis River Parking)
