NW Getaway: Great Adventure in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest  

I am convinced that one of the most picturesque places on planet earth is only an hour away from Clark County. The Lewis River corridor brings people from all over the world to see our famed Mount St. Helens and enjoy the beauty that is quintessentially Washington. The forest, river and lakes have something for every adventure level, whether you want to hike to the tip of an active volcano or enjoy a peaceful day of fishing. Read on for ideas to explore the national forest that’s right in Vancouver’s own backyard.  

For a Scenic Trek in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Having hiked many trails here, I don’t think there’s a wrong choice. If you love waterfalls, then Lewis River Falls is the place to go because you get three amazing waterfalls all on one trail. The first falls are close to the parking lot and accessible for everyone, while the rest of the trail is about eight miles out and back. I’ll never forget the first time we went; we met a kayaker who had come all the way from Australia just for these falls. He knew what he was doing because he made that daring dive look easy!

However, I advise you to heed the signs telling you to stay behind the fence. The other two falls, though slightly smaller, are just as beautiful. We somehow picked the one day in summer with a chance of rain to do this trail. But despite getting soaked for the last two miles, we all thought it was worth it.  

Another family favorite is Lava Canyon. This trail takes you along the lahar’s path of the famous 1980 eruption. There is an amazing lookout point on the way to the trailhead where you can see miles of the destructive flow. Almost 50 years later, it’s interesting to see how the entire area is still adapting. Signs along the way help you to understand how the rocks cooled and look the way they do now.

Sadly, a suspension bridge traversing the river has been inaccessible for some time and is still currently closed, though you can enjoy the entire trail by hiking up one side and then going back to hike the other. I have brought my parents here, as well as kids as young as six, and everyone has loved it.  

Every time we visit Lava Canyon or Ape Cave, we always stop at the nearby Trail of Two Forests. Here you can climb into tunnels created by trees which were knocked down by lava, leaving behind tubes of cooled rock. It’s a short trail, but also a great place to stop for a shady picnic. Speaking of picnics, we also like to stop at Woodland Corner Store and Deli. They have a great location near the freeway entrance for hungry travelers on their way to a hike, or on their way back. I can attest that the reviews are accurate–their pizza and sandwiches are all amazing! 

Even in the winter, the mountain offers amazing trekking opportunities. Former editor of Vancouver Family Magazine, Nikki Klock, and I took a snowshoeing trip with Mount St. Helens Institute guides this past February to June Lake. (Also a great trail for cross-country skiing.) It was amazing to see how different the mountain looks in the winter. I recommend Mount St. Helens Institute’s guided adventures, especially for first-timers who want to enjoy the journey but don’t want to plan it! My daughter and I hope to join their mushroom foraging adventure in the fall.  

For a Lake Day in Gifford Pinchot National Forest 

Boating families know that Yale, Merwin and Swift Creek reservoirs are equally beautiful and fun! One summer when I suddenly needed to fly out of town for a funeral, a generous friend took my kids while I was gone. This friend and her family just so happened to be headed to Speelyai Bay on Lake Merwin and happily brought my kids along with them. When I got home, they had all kinds of stories to tell about the boat and how fun tubing was, and they immediately asked when they could go again.

Even though my parents owned a boat when I was growing up, I have no desire to own one myself. Instead, anytime we have wanted to be out on the water, we have simply looked for rental options. So, if you don’t own a boat, don’t fret! You can have all the fun without the commitment.

For those looking for more fish and less people, boat access to the Lewis River can be found at Cedar and Johnson Creek boat launches. Again, if you don’t own a boat but want to enjoy the experience, fishing guides are happy to take you to some of the best spots. Many guides I have spoken with are booked almost a year in advance, so if this is on your list, be sure to plan ahead. A great place to find a guide is at the local (and extremely popular) company, Addicted Fishing.

Keep in mind that Lake Merwin will be one of the busier locations as it is closer to Interstate 5, while Yale and Swift Creek are typically less busy since they are further east. Speelyai Bay is one of the most popular boat launches, but others include Cresap Bay, Saddle Dam Park, Yale Park and Swift Forest Camp. All three lakes are also regularly stocked with fish. 

For a Family Reunion in Gifford Pinchot National Forest  

There are multiple campgrounds along Lewis River Highway (state route 503) if you find yourself needing more than just a day on the lake. With so much to do here, these parks are a great way to bring everyone together. Pacific Power, which operates the dams on Yale and Swift Creek reservoirs, also owns and manages campgrounds and the boat launches mentioned above. Group campsites are especially popular at these locations, so be sure to book early. Unfortunately, Beaver Bay campground and boat launch is under renovation and will be closed for the rest of 2025.

Fortunately, Cougar Park Campground has tent camping and a boat launch, as well as access to the Beaver Bay hiking trail. It’s the perfect easy trail for kids and grandparents to explore the forest; you get beautiful views of both the mountains and water, so you’re guaranteed good memories. I’m so glad we hiked trails with my parents before their hips and knees wore out. We don’t live near them, but every time my kids talk to them on the phone the number one thing they talk about is different trails we’ve completed. 

Keeping everyone comfortable is something to consider when planning for a reunion. So, if someone in your party prefers a bed over a sleeping bag, private campgrounds offer family packages. Lone Fir Resort, home of the Big Foot Café, has RV sites as well as cabin rentals. There is a swimming pool, playground and game room for kids, while parents can enjoy the hammocks, firepit and spa services. And it’s only four minutes from Yale Park, making this a great choice for families. Their Bigfoot-themed gift shop is a must-see if you ever drive by here. 

Additionally, Anderson Lodge, a Scandinavian-themed resort, hosts weddings and reunions and is an upscale option. Silver Lake Resort on Swift Creek reservoir has RV and tent sites, as well as cabins, a hotel and a private boat dock. Owned by two former teachers, their focus on kids makes this location especially family-friendly.  

For Dinner and a Show in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Another must-see that is fun for the whole family is the Lelooska Cultural Center in Ariel. Last June, we attended a living history performance with both sets of grandparents, and it was something we will never forget. Before the show, we wandered through the museum, which holds an impressive collection of clothing, tools and totems. As a history lover, I especially enjoy learning about the heritage of indigenous tribes who thrived here for centuries. When I asked the curator at the museum what they wore besides animal skins, he told me some clothing was woven from the bark of cedar trees, which the Cowlitz tribe called “the tree of life.”  

We then entered the Kwakwaka’wakw ceremonial house where a magical fire was lit by the first performer. The songs and stories we witnessed have been passed on through generations and are still told by the descendants of Chief Lelooska. One grandchild who was only five years old wore her wooden mask with pride as she danced and sang alongside her family. Our performance ended with the terrifying tale of Tsonoqua, a child-snatching Bigfoot!  

The costumes and masks, which open and change, are difficult to describe. The intricacy and craft of the wood is something you simply must see for yourself. Afterwards, the family invites you to have cookies and see some of the masks up close.  

Shows begin at 7 pm and last about 90 minutes. In small towns, not many places are open late, but Fat Moose Bar and Grill is an exception. It stays open until 10 pm and is a great place to end your evening with their late-night menu, which includes fish and chips, onion rings and chicken fried steak. 

For a Quiet Escape in Gifford Pinchot National Forest 

Like most families with teens, spring is an especially busy time of year for us. So, this past Memorial Day, we wanted to slow things down and go fishing. My husband’s family from Tacoma joined us, which made it more fun. We started out at Merwin Park since there was a playground and plenty of shaded tables for a picnic. The short trail to Marble waterfall was perfect for my 1-year-old nephew and 3-year-old niece. The swimming beach was great, too. Though you can fish at Merwin Park, the hot sun that day had us looking for a shadier spot. 

On recommendation from a kayaker we met, we headed to the Island boat launch. It was so nice to set up the chairs, listen to the water, and just be together. I didn’t even care if we caught anything, which we didn’t, but the kids got great casting practice. I also found a new spot to drop in my paddleboard.  

For a Romantic Weekend in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Any time we’ve visited this area, we leave feeling refreshed. There’s just something about the forest and river that is both energizing and relaxing.

While looking for lodging, I found multiple cabins that seemed to be calling my name. Winter is often an easier time for us to take time off, so as I perused different cabins on the internet, I pictured my husband and I curled up by a fire watching snow fall outside and playing board games. I’d love to go snowshoeing again, and if we stay at Lone Fir Resort, they have rentals on site. We do enjoy cooking together, but a romantic spot with a great view (winter or summer) is North Fork Grill located at the Lewis River Golf Course. And if time permits, maybe we could build a snowman together, too.  

Featured image by I-Shüan Warr

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