Tucked away in the heart of the scenic Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Lewis River Horse Camp offers a rustic haven for horse lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience in the Washington wilderness. With unparalleled access to a network of mixed-use trails and pristine natural beauty, this campsite promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the splendor of the upper Lewis River Valley.
Trail Riding Paradise
For riders, the Lewis River Horse Camp stands as a cherished gateway to a trail-riding paradise. The camp provides a highline at each site, ensuring that your equine companions have a safe and comfortable resting place. Moreover, a stock-only water trough is conveniently located within the camp, ensuring that your horses remain hydrated and content throughout your stay.
The allure of Lewis River Horse Camp extends far beyond the campsite itself, with direct access to two iconic trails: the Quartz Creek Trail and the Lewis River Trail. These trails wind through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest, offering riders an array of terrains to explore and vistas to behold.
A Campground for the Horse Enthusiast
With nine well-appointed campsites and ample parking for ten trailers and fifteen vehicles, Lewis River Horse Camp is tailored to the needs of horse enthusiasts. The ease of turning and parking, coupled with paved roadways, ensures that your arrival and departure are hassle-free, allowing you to focus on the adventure that awaits.
Rustic Serenity in the Wilderness
While the camp's amenities are rustic, the experience is nothing short of spectacular. Nestled within the Lewis River Recreation Area, this campsite serves as a portal to a world of natural wonder and adventure. Surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of the forest, you'll find serenity and tranquility in the upper Lewis River Valley.
A Hub of Wilderness Exploration
Beyond the immediate campsite, the Lewis River Recreation Area offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Explore the pristine landscapes, embark on hikes, or partake in the thrill of trail riding. With direct access to these activities, every day at Lewis River Horse Camp is an opportunity for new discoveries and memorable experiences.
Plan Your Lewis River Escape
For those seeking to disconnect from the bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, Lewis River Horse Camp is the ideal destination. While amenities like vault toilet restrooms are available, it's important to note that running water is not provided. Visitors are encouraged to come prepared with essentials like hand sanitizer and to bring their own drinking water.
Please be sure to check road conditions before embarking on your journey to the Lewis River Recreation Area. Additionally, it's essential to have a printed parking reservation on hand upon arrival.
In the heart of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Lewis River Horse Camp invites you to experience the majesty of the Pacific Northwest from the saddle of your trusty steed. Here, adventure is more than a possibility; it's a promise waiting to be fulfilled.
Directions:
From Cougar, Washington drive east on Highway 503. Just past the Pine Creek Information Center the highway intersects with Forest Road 25. Keep right at this intersection and stay on Highway 503. At the Forest Boundary Highway 503 becomes Forest Road 90. Continue driving east on Forest Road 90 to the intersection with Curley Creek Road. The Lewis River Recreation Area begins past this intersection.
From Trout Lake, head North to Forest Road 23. Drive approximately 20 miles until you reach Forest Road 90. Turn left on Forest Road 90 and drive about 16 miles to the entrance to the Lewis River Recreation Area.
Lewis River Horse Camp offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Compost toilet
- Highline
- Mixed-use trails
- stock only water trough
- Parking area
Cost Details:
- $15 per site per night.
- $5/Extra vehicle
Notes:
- The Lewis River Recreation Area Ticket and other site requirements are necessary to provide for the protection of public health and safety and resource protection. Reservations are required from June 15 through September 6. Thank you for your cooperation!
- Reservation MUST be printed AND a hard copy must be placed on the vehicle dashboard upon arrival in the Lewis River Recreation Area.
- Visitors can purchase one reservation ticket for one vehicle per day. This ticket must be presented on your vehicle after you park
- Only those vehicles that have procured a parking reservation will be allowed to park in the 14-mile corridor with access to the Lewis River trail and waterfalls within this corridor. Vehicles exceeding 22 feet in length are prohibited from parking in reserved parking, including busses and 12+ passenger vans. Vehicles with trailers are prohibited in reserved parking.
- Contact Mt. Adams Ranger District for further information at (509) 395-3402.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST - Lewis River Falls Trail
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST - Spencer Butte Trail
INDIAN HEAVEN WILDERNESS - Thomas Lake Trail
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST - Hidden Lakes Trail
Lewis River Horse Camp does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Lewis River Horse Camp for more information