Lewis River

This page describes a unique technical canyon located in the upper headwaters of the Lewis River on the northwestern flanks of Mt. Adams. The softer volcanic substrate yields narrows, potholes, waterfalls, and a committing lower section making this a classic northwest canyon. It's one of the prettier canyons in the area with striking orange/yellow rocks in the lower canyon. Be aware: the Lewis River is glacial-fed from the snowfields high on Mt. Adams. It may be running considerably higher than other creeks in the area on hot summer days when a lot of melt is taking place high on the mountain. The water is often colder and siltier than others in the area. When the water is running high, you may expect to encounter serious hydraulics in the technical section, including the dangerous crux of the descent. This earns the canyon it's "R" rating. The most dangerous hydraulics can usually be bypassed by rappelling out of the water or using alternate anchors.

Park on either side of the upper bridge. Hop the guardrail on either side of the bridge and bushwhack your way upstream and down steep forested slopes to the creek. Here are two other ways in:

Be aware, some obstacles may be considerably more difficult in high flow. Please do not add webbing to unlinked bolts or leave fixed lines in the canyon. All jumps should be scouted first to ensure it's deep enough and there are no underwater obstacles. Walk downstream about 0.3mi. The going is a classic Pacific NW creek-walk at first, but becomes more interesting as the canyon walls start to rise around you. Expect a couple minor downclimbs and pools.

Continue downstream about 0.75mi to the FR-90 bridge. Expect the usual Pacific NW creek-walking and climbing over/around/through a few sizeable logjams. When possible, exit the creek DCL onto an open forested bench and continue downstream. The bridge will sneak up on you. The hike downstream goes pretty quickly. Continue downstream and exit DCL at an area where you can see up into the forest. The forest area is just past a trail where people have been climbing a very steep rocky embankment. The steep trail goes but the forest area is easier. Climb up to and follow the ridgeline that parallels the Lewis River to FR23. Walk FR23 back to the bridge.