Archeological studies started in the late 20th century provided evidence of tool building and hunting at the site which is thought to be located near Randle on a trail leading from a nearby campground.

[8] The main stem begins in Lewis County in a high, glacial valley to the north of Snowgrass Flats in the Goat Rocks Wilderness, located on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

From here the river flows in a southwesterly direction and takes on the waters of several important headwater tributaries such as Walupt Creek.

[7] There is a stream flow monitoring station on the river which sends its data live to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Cispus is host to the Cowlitz Falls Park, a day use area situated near its junction with Lake Scanewa.