The Lewis Creek National Scenic Trail to Corlieu Falls and Red Rock Falls is a 3.7 mile out and back trail located near Oakhurst that features waterfalls, beautiful spring flora and is rated as moderate. Dogs are welcome here but must stay on leash the entire way.

Start at the Highway 41 trailhead, which sits 9 miles north of Oakhurst just past the 4000 foot elevation sign. The trail follows the historic route of an old lumber flume that the Sugar Pine Lumber Company built to float milled lumber over 50 miles down to Madera. You’ll spot remnants of this impressive engineering throughout the hike, which adds an interesting layer to the walk beyond just the scenery.

The path itself runs north and south with some moderately steep sections, so pace yourself accordingly. In spring, the wildflower display is genuinely worth planning your visit around—the trail comes alive with color. Even if you miss peak bloom, the two waterfalls make the hike worthwhile. Corlieu Falls comes first, followed by Red Rock Falls, and both are impressive after winter and spring snowmelt. The water volume varies significantly depending on the season, so don’t expect the same experience in August as you would in May.

The best time to hike here is March through November, which gives you a pretty generous window. Summer can get hot, and the water flow diminishes as the season progresses, so spring or early fall typically offer the nicest combination of weather and water volume. The moderate rating is fair, though those steep sections mean your dog will need to be in decent shape and accustomed to elevation changes. Bring plenty of water for both of you, as shade can be sparse in sections. The trail doesn’t see quite as many crowds as some Yosemite-area hikes, which makes it a solid choice if you’re visiting during busy season.