Are there fees or permits required for Lucia Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Lucia Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Lucia Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lucia Falls.

Live Conditions · 44 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Lucia Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Lucia Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Lucia Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Lucia Falls Park LP · CNTY

Photo Credits (5)

Greg_S CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jr⁹⁸⁶⁶⁴ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Viking Visual CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Curtis Gregory Perry CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

brx0 CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Loop

About Lucia Falls

Lucia Falls tumbles along the East Fork of the Lewis River in Washington, framed by mossy basalt ledges and a canopy of evergreen and deciduous trees. The cascade and its immediate surroundings feel tucked away from the bustle—riparian greenery, layered rock, and the steady rush of water make it a popular stop for photographers and families seeking a quick nature escape. The site is part of Lucia Falls Park, managed by the county, and offers picnic spots and short walking areas where visitors can linger and listen to the river. Access is straightforward and well-suited to day visitors: the falls are commonly enjoyed as a relaxed outing rather than an overnight destination. County stewardship keeps the park approachable for casual visitors while preserving the scenic qualities that make Lucia Falls a pleasant, accessible taste of the Lewis River corridor.

The Setting

Lucia Falls sits at 413 feet within Lucia Falls Park, fed by the East Fork Lewis River, in the coastal lowlands of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The primary route to Lucia Falls is an out-and-back trail of about 2.4 miles round-trip with approximately 350 feet of cumulative elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. Expect a well-marked, forested walk with several viewpoints of the falls; while much of the path is maintained, the elevation gain indicates a few uphill stretches that require steady footing. The trail’s moderate grade makes it a good fit for hikers who want a short outing with rewarding views—sturdy shoes and basic hiking comfort are recommended.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lucia Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Lucia Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically higher due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Stay on designated trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery. Be cautious around the river, especially during high water flow.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 6 hours ago Barely Flowing

44 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

44 49 121 315

Based on 96 years of record

10.14 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

EAST FORK LEWIS RIVER NEAR HEISSON, WA

USGS 14222500

1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 125 sq mi

Altitude: 357 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST FORK LEWIS RIVER NEAR HEISSON, WA (2 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

44 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

44 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

41 cfs

4/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

40 cfs

4/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

42 cfs

4/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

42 cfs

4/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

47 cfs

3/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

49 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to late January, peaking in December.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Yacolt hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 47 feet of drop through Lucia Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 415 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 60 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 25 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Lucia Falls near Yacolt, Washington, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Lucia Falls near Yacolt, Washington, showing about 47 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 415 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 47 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Lucia Falls is located in Lucia Falls Regional Park, near Yacolt, Washington. It is accessible via NE Lucia Falls Road. The park is well-marked and easy to find.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at Lucia Falls Regional Park, which is free to use. The parking lot is typically sufficient for visitors, but it may fill up during peak times.

Elevation

413 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.839559° N, -122.446486° W

Land Management

Lucia Falls Park LP

Managed by CNTY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven in some areas. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Sunset Falls Campground

9.6 miles away · 18 sites

Reservable

Overview Sunset Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy scenic views of the river and a waterfall within the campground. The campground is open all year. Recreation There are several hiking trails nearby, including the Silver Star trail which offers excellent views of Portland, Oregon. The area is also popular with kayakers that visit the East Fork Lewis River.Facilities Sunset Campground offers 18 standard sites that accommodate tents and RVs (22 feet), but n

Book on Recreation.gov