Hey Pete. Sounds like you're talking about Smith Creek. It's the sister stream to Johnson creek (the takeouts are only about 100 yards apart). I've never paddled or walked it, but I work as a helicopter pilot in the upper cowlitz zone and have flown it often. I've never gotten a good look at it when it's running, but it looks every bit as steep as the maps show.  The obvious put-in at the FR 20 bridge would give you 1600 feet of drop in about 2.5 miles to Hwy 12. The first bit below the bridge looks REALLY steep. It's smaller than Johnson. I'm sure it has the same season and geology with lots and lots of logs. I do know there are no massive falls. If you go in there let me know what you find.  -Brian

On the other hand it can be walked into and could be looked at.  It has been many years since I was in there and it could have cleaned up but I doubt it given the current condition of Johnson creek and other like drainages in the area.