Middle Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
From June 15 through Labor Day, parking at the Middle Falls Trailhead requires an advance day-use reservation on Recreation.gov (valid for up to 10 hours).
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.1 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Middle Falls
Middle Lewis River Falls is a wide, low drop on the Lewis River in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, about 1.5 miles upstream of Lower Lewis River Falls. The Forest Service describes it as more of a rocky chute than a tall waterfall. It sits on the short Middle Falls Loop (Trail #31C), which also passes Lower Copper Creek Falls and Copper Creek Falls.
The Setting
Middle Falls sits at 1,549 feet within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, in the hills of Washington.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Paradise Falls (126 ft) lies 8.4 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Lower Falls (43 ft, 1.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Middle Falls (#31C), a 1.1-mile loop trail over natural surface. Expect 100 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
MIDDLE FALLS #31C
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.48 miTrail Description
From the Middle Falls Trailhead on Forest Road 90, the Middle Falls Loop (Trail #31C) descends gently toward the river, passing Lower Copper Creek Falls at about 0.3 mile and reaching a viewing area below Middle Lewis River Falls at about 0.4 mile. The loop briefly follows the Lewis River Trail (#31), then climbs back past Copper Creek Falls to the trailhead, about 1.1 miles in all.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Middle Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Lewis River Trail.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Discover Pass is required to park at Wallace Falls State Park. The pass can be purchased online or at the park entrance.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Middle Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring icy conditions, so check trail reports before visiting.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Gifford Pinchot National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge near the falls. Carry a first aid kit and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Muddy River, 9.1 miles away, not on Middle Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
310 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 70 years of record
14.91 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MUDDY RIVER BELOW CLEAR CREEK NEAR COUGAR, WA (15 km away).
Today
Roaring
338 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
338 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
350 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
401 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
428 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
440 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
488 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Trout Lake hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Middle Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Middle Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 315 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Washington.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 209 feet of descent through Middle Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,549 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 376 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 187 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,549 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 209 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
From I-5 exit 21 at Woodland, follow SR 503 east through Cougar, where the road becomes Forest Road 90. Stay right on FR 90 at the FR 25 junction, cross the North Fork Lewis River, and continue past the Lower Falls Recreation Area (about mile 29.7) to the Middle Falls Trailhead about a mile farther.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Middle Falls Trailhead on FR 90. A Northwest Forest Pass or interagency pass is required, and from June 15 through Labor Day you also need an advance parking reservation from Recreation.gov.
Elevation
1,549 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.167059° N, -121.862864° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy a quieter hike. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy in places. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds.
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This easy 1.1 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Lone Fir Resort
Explore Mt St Helens A-Frame Chalet with Deck!
Rustic Cougar Cabin with Wood-Burning Fire Pit!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
LOWER FALLS CAMPGROUND
1 miles away · 44 sites
Overview Lower Falls Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy several waterfalls in the area and access to the Lewis River Trail. The campground is open from mid-May through October.Recreation Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. There are hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails, and motorcycle trails within 10 miles of the campground. The Lewis River contains rainbow, cutthroat
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Nearby Attractions
Lower Lewis River Falls is about 1.5 miles downstream on the Lewis River Trail, and Upper Lewis River Falls and Taitnapum Falls are upstream on the same trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for eagles and other birds of prey near the river.
Cities near Middle Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Middle Falls
8 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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