Cora Falls

Lewis County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Lewis County, Washington
Access status: National forest trail from a forest road trailhead; two creek crossings
The walk: Within the first half mile of the trail, per WTA
Ground & access: Steep trail; WTA gives an average gradient of 13 percent. Two crossings of Big Creek. The trail is also open to motorcycles, horses and bicycles, with no motorized use from March 1 to June 30.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Trail 252 Big Creek

Cora Falls is a series of tiers on Big Creek in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, below Cora Lake and northwest of Packwood. Big Creek Trail #252 starts on Forest Road 8420 and climbs steeply beside Big Creek. In the first half mile it crosses the creek twice between different parts of Cora Falls. Return the same way, or continue about another half mile to Cora Lake on a short spur. WTA says the crossings are easy at low water but can be tricky early in the season.

Plan your visit

Big Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 8420, up Big Creek Trail #252 past the tiers of Cora Falls

WTA says the trail crosses Big Creek twice between different parts of Cora Falls in the first half mile. It gives 1.2 miles round trip to Cora Lake, about half a mile beyond, and 3.5 miles round trip to the saddle above.

Steep trail; WTA gives an average gradient of 13 percent. Two crossings of Big Creek. The trail is also open to motorcycles, horses and bicycles, with no motorized use from March 1 to June 30.

Where to start

Big Creek Trailhead on Forest Road 8420. From Packwood, follow Forest Road 52 (Skate Creek Road) north 18.2 miles, turn left on Forest Road 84 for 4.2 miles, then right on Forest Road 8420 for 1.6 miles; the trail is on the left.

Timing & water

No season is stated. The creek crossings can be difficult in early season high water.

Before you go

The Forest Service says a recreation pass is not required at the trailhead.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

Lewis County, Washington.

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