The south end of the Dark Divide Roadless Area is a place to see and feel the deep awe and wonder of magnificent living temples of old-growth trees, verdant carpets of lush native understory, and richly hued waterfalls cascading into mist-filled pools and cataracts. Parking at the Quartz Creek trailhead along Forest Road 90 offers the perfect introduction to this area. Heading south along the Lewis River takes you along a grand tour of picturesque waterfalls, refreshing swimming holes, beautiful single-track, and trees whose size and age cannot truly be understood. Heading north along Quartz Creek will take you deep into a solitary and seldom-traveled old-growth valley that winds its way all the way up to Boundary Trail. This remote and remarkable valley is breathtaking in every way. Please note that as of 2021, parking in the Lewis River/Quartz Creek corridor now requires a reservation from the Mount Adams Ranger District.

Clouds in Quartz Creek

The Quartz Creek Trail is 4 miles long, making an 8 mile out and back.  The Lewis River Trail is 14 miles each way.

 

Lewis River Elevation Profile from Quartz Creek Trailhead

 

Quartz Creek Elevation Profile from Quartz Creek Trailhead