With Memorial Day right around the corner, thoughts of summer and spending time on the East Fork of the Lewis River come to mind. This pristine waterway has been designated as a wild steelhead gene bank, ending years of stocking with hatchery fish. This will give the wild fish a chance to reproduce and thrive without competition, maintaining the river's true "wild" status.
Unlike many rivers in the West, the East Fork is one of the few that is not dammed or diverted. So, it is a popular whitewater and kayaking river. Running the East Fork gives paddling adventurers big, relatively easy rapids, chutes and even waterfalls. Kayaking enthusiasts claim that the parts of the East Fork are the perfect body of water for novice paddlers wanting to get started. Every year in April, the Northwest Creeking Competition holds major whitewater events just upstream from this spot, where kayakers can be seen negotiating the dramatic Sunset Falls.
Locals, residents from nearby towns, or visitors from the Portland/Vancouver area also visit the river during the summer months for swimming, canoeing and rafting. There are plenty of parks to choose from whether you want a daily picnic spot, or an overnight camp site. Camp sites range from full service to primitive. Imagine pitching your tent in the middle of an old growth forest!
Hiking is also a popular activity in the East Fork area, and Bells Mountain Trail is one our family favorites. This 4.2 mile trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. You’ll enjoy waterfalls, seasonal wildflowers and river views. The trail is rated as moderate and is snow-free from about February until November.
If you dream of having your own land to camp or fish, or even build a family retreat along the East Fork of the Lewis River, call us. We have a .45 acre piece of property right on the river that will be listed soon.
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