Chickoon Creek

Chickoon is a sizeable tributary of the Lewis River entering just downstream of Lower Lewis Falls. A pleasant outing, but not quite as dramatic or action-packed as other destinations in the Lewis River area. Chickoon does, however, sport some interesting geology.

Park on the north side of the bridge crossing the Lewis River just west of Lower Lewis Falls. There's a pullout with room for 4-5 vehicles. This is the same trailhead for Cussed Hollow. From the cars, walk south across the bridge. On the south side of the river, look carefully on the left for a trail. Follow the trail up the bank a short distance before it abruptly turns and drops back down into the drainage of Crab Creek. There is an old pipe system here. Cross the creek and follow a game trail up onto the ridge on the far side. Head up-slope wherever is easiest. Just ahead is the steepest part of the approach; make your way through weaknesses in several short cliff bands. Gain 250ft before the terrain starts to mellow out again. Keep going until you reach an old road grade about 2100ft. Follow it left / northeast. Pass an old junction and continue straight. After 0.6mi past the junction (~2450ft elevation), break off the road and bushwhack down forested slopes enter Chickoon.

Continue downstream through some nice sections of bedrock. The creek narrows up for a mandatory pool or two. • 15ft drop on the creek with two big old growth logs wedged across it and the water flowing down underneath. Downclimb slippery rocks DCR. Pass through another nice area of basalt bedrock. Ahead around the corner is:

Keep going downstream for 5-10min to the confluence with the Lewis River. Reportedly, it is possible to traverse the shore and forested slopes on the south side to head back to the bridge, but in the late season it’s easier to just wade across the Lewis River and thrash up the slope on the far side to gain the Lewis River Trail. Turn left and follow the nicely maintained trail 1mi back to your car. Nice old growth trees along the way.