Moulton Falls Adventure Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Looking for a spot in southwest Washington with trails, waterfalls, and more?

Located in southwest Washington, Moulton Falls Regional Park in Clark County is the perfect place for a hike on a sunny spring day or to cool off next to a waterfall on a hot sunny afternoon. 

A few years ago, we visited this park, situated where the East Fork of the Lewis River and Big Tree Creek meet, for the first time. I’m still shocked it took us so long to learn about this 387-acre park filled with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a unique arched bridge over turquoise water. 

I’ve pulled together all of my research along with details from our visit to help you plan your own outing to this fun spot in the Pacific Northwest.

Let’s get started.

Visiting Moulton Falls Regional Park: Logistics and Amenities

Directions

Click here to see Moulton Falls on a map and get directions.

Parking

When you arrive at Moulton Falls Park, there are two main parking lots you can choose from. In addition, there is also an overflow parking area along NE Lucia Falls Road, just past the turnoff to NE Sunset Falls Rd. 

If you don’t have luck finding a spot in the main parking lot or the overflow parking lot, another option is to park at the nearby Lucia Falls Regional Park and take the 2.5 mile trail that connect the two. 

Facilities

We parked at the overflow area and as we headed back into the park, just down the road on the right, we found picnic tables. 

It was the perfect picnic area to stop and enjoy lunch before heading out to explore. You might even get lucky like us – surprisingly, we were the only ones using the tables on a beautiful Saturday at lunchtime! 

Fees

There are no fees to use Moulton Falls County Park.

Moulton Falls Park Areas of Interest

There are several unique features and places to explore in Moulton Falls Park including waterfalls, wooden bridges (and a swing bridge!), and more. 

Yacolt Falls

Just past the picnic area where we ate lunch, our youngest was exploring a bit and came running back saying “MOM! Come here! I HAVE to show you something!”

I followed him down past the picnic tables and saw that he had discovered Yacolt Creek Falls. From the walkway, you can get a pretty good view of the falls. 

But, if you’re a little braver, you can scramble down some of the boulders and get a little closer. There aren’t any barriers past here, so keep hold of kids and be smart! I grabbed a spot and just sat to watch and listen to the falls for a while. It was the perfect spot to relax a bit and take in the view. 

Moulton Falls Bridge

After we finished at Yacolt Falls, we followed the trail towards the Moulton Falls Bridge, the arch bridge that crosses over the east fork of the Lewis River. It is approximately 60 feet high and offers a great place to take in the views of the river below. 

The water under the bridge is surprisingly clear and is this amazing shade of green.

There is a popular place for swimming near the bridge, especially in the summer heat, but it’s important to know that there aren’t any lifeguards on duty and that water depths vary.

And while it may look tempting to jump off the bridge, it’s not a good idea (and is prohibited). There have been several injuries after people jumped anyway, including one incident that went viral when a teen was pushed off the bridge and was severely injured.

Moulton Falls

A short walk from the bridge, you’ll find Moulton Falls which the park is named after. It’s a short walk from the bridge to Moulton Falls. The falls here are smaller, but still really beautiful (and icy cold). 

Hikes in Moulton Falls Regional Park

I’ve listed a few of the most popular Moulton Falls hikes in the park below.

Trail to Lucia Falls Park

On AllTrails, this hike is listed as Moulton Falls via East Fork of the Lewis River. You can start at either Lucia Falls Park or Moulton Falls Park. Round trip, this trail is a little over 5 miles, but if you come with a friend, you could also leave a car at one end of the trail if you’re looking for a shorter hike. 

• Trail Details
• Distance: 5.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 291 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• More Details: There is a popular swimming hole near the bridge (but no lifeguards on duty). 

Moulton Falls and Mount Bell Loop

For a hike that’s a little more challenging but still relatively moderate, check out the Moulton Falls and Bell Mountain Loop Trail.

• Trail Details
• Distance: 6.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 918 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• More Details: We haven’t done this full loop yet (it’s on my list!), but lots of people report that it can be easy to get off track due to a lack of signage, so be sure to have a trail map with you!! 

Bell’s Mountain Trail

If you’re up for a bit more of an adventure, you’ll want to check out Bells Mountain Trail. For this trail, you’ll want to make a day of it as it’s much longer and more challenging than the other hikes in the area.

• Trail Details
• Distance: ~16 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 2,936 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• More Details: Plan on a mixture of shade and sun along the trail, and pay close attention to your map for navigation. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Moulton Falls Regional Park

When you’re looking for a great Washington hike – or a relaxing walk – Moulton Falls Regional Park is a great place to soak in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re up for a big adventure, be sure to include a hike on Bell’s Mountain Trail! 

Prefer to end your visit with something a little more relaxing? Head to the nearby Moulton Falls Winery & Cider House!

I’m thinking I’d love to pair the two on a return visit! 

Related Posts About Hiking and the Pacific Northwest

• Hiking with Kids Near Portland: Trails to Add to Your List
• Wahkeena Falls Hike
• What to Bring Hiking (And What to Leave at Home)
• Hiking for Beginners: What You Need to Know

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