Lower Copper Creek Falls

Skamania County, Washington

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 32 ft (9.8 m)
Location: Skamania County, Washington
Access status: Short national forest trail from a fee trailhead; summer parking reservation required
The walk: The Northwest Waterfall Survey says both trails from the lot reach Middle Lewis River Falls in half a mile; this falls is passed on the way by the lower trail
Ground & access: Forest trails with a descent to the river and some roots and short climbs.

Northwest Waterfall Survey: Lower Copper Creek Falls

Lower Copper Creek Falls is a 32-foot, two-tier falls on Copper Creek just above the Lewis River, in the Lewis River Recreation Area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Two trails leave the Middle Falls parking lot. The lower trail descends to the Lewis River Trail; head upstream to where the trail crosses Copper Creek directly above the falls. WTA describes a short side trail up to the falls from the Lewis River Trail. The upper trail instead crosses Copper Creek above the larger Copper Creek Falls and descends to Middle Lewis River Falls, from where you can walk downstream to this falls. Return the way you came, or use both trails as a short loop.

Plan your visit

Middle Falls Trailhead on Forest Road 90, down the lower trail to the Lewis River Trail, then upstream to where the trail crosses Copper Creek above the falls

The Northwest Waterfall Survey says two trails leave the Middle Falls parking lot and reach Middle Lewis River Falls in half a mile. Lower Copper Creek Falls is where the lower route crosses Copper Creek, short of the Middle Falls. No separate distance to this falls is given.

Forest trails with a descent to the river and some roots and short climbs.

Where to start

Middle Falls Trailhead on Forest Road 90, about 1 mile east of the Lower Lewis River Falls Recreation Area and roughly 40 miles east of Cougar. The Forest Service says there are no restrooms or drinking water at this trailhead.

Timing & water

Parking reservations apply in summer. The survey says both tiers narrow in the drier months.

Before you go

Day use costs $5 per vehicle per day or $30 for an annual pass. From June 15 through Labor Day weekend, a parking reservation ticket from Recreation.gov is required daily.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

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

Explore Washington

Waterfall location

Skamania County, Washington.

Open location map