Biking - Lewis River

Test Your Skill at Any Level

One of the most popular trails in southwest Washington, Lewis River 31 is known as “the roller coaster” because of its end-to-end undulations. The trail parallels the river, traveling through luxuriant old-growth forest and offering eye-popping canyon views.

For beginners, the best strategy is to leave one car at the lower trailhead off FR9030 (see directions below) and take another to the Lower Falls Campground, located farther up FR90. Because the trail from the Lower Falls Campground to the intersection with FR90 (approximately 2 miles) is treacherous, it would be a good idea for less-experienced bikers to ride down FR90 from the campground and then pick up the trail. From there, the 9.5-mile route to the lower trailhead will take you from 1,600 feet to 1,100, so you’ll have the advantage of running slightly downhill.

Intermediate and advanced riders may want to park at the lower trailhead and ride out and back, continuing across FR 90 to the Lower Falls Campground. Roundtrip is 23 miles.

One caution—the Lewis River Trail can lull you to sleep with its compact tread, rushing water, and seemingly benign up-and-down. However, there are a number of nasty spots, some on the upper portion near the falls where a missed corner will result in a long tumble and another where the trail runs along a cliff approximately 7 miles up from the lower trailhead (2.5 miles from the intersection with FR90).

From Interstate 5, take Lewis River Road (503) east from Woodland (becomes FR90 east of Cougar) 52.3 miles to FR9039. Take a left on FR9039 and drive 0.8 to the lower trailhead, located just before the river crossing. A Northwest Forest Pass is required.

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