Are there fees or permits required for Moulton Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Moulton Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moulton Falls.

Live Conditions · 71 ft³/s · About average

Moulton Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Moulton Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Moulton Falls.

Washington

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Loth197 LOTH · CNTY

Photo Credits (5)

Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Darryll A DeCoster CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Brooke Hoyer CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Darryll A DeCoster CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

dancingnomad3 CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Moulton Falls

Moulton Falls sits along the East Fork Lewis River within Moulton Falls Regional Park in Washington, a tranquil pocket of forested river canyon framed by mossy rock and the park’s iconic stone-arch bridge. Though the drop itself isn’t towering, the falls and surrounding river pools make for superb photography, swimming in summer, and peaceful picnicking beneath old-growth canopy. The site is owned and managed by the county (land owner: CNTY; Land Unit: Loth197; designation: LOTH), and its easy access and scenic overlooks make it a favorite for families and casual day hikers.

The Setting

Moulton Falls sits at 525 feet within Loth197, fed by the East Fork Lewis River, in the foothills of Washington.

Trail & Hike Details

2.6 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 2.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The main route to the falls is an easy out-and-back trail of approximately 2.6 miles round trip with about 200 feet of elevation gain. The path follows the East Fork Lewis River through dense, shaded forest and offers multiple viewpoints of the river and falls before passing the stone-arch bridge that frames one of the best photo opportunities. Trail-level difficulty is rated easy and the tread is well-maintained and relatively flat, suited to most hikers and families; note that camping is not immediately adjacent to the park.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Moulton Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Moulton Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, as the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding greenery is vibrant. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may bring higher water flow but can make the trail muddy.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious near the river and falls, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid swimming near the falls due to strong currents. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can become muddy and slippery after rain.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Roaring

71 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

42 48 118 270

Based on 96 years of record

10.42 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

EAST FORK LEWIS RIVER NEAR HEISSON, WA

USGS 14222500

3.7 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 (6 km away).

High confidence

Roaring right now

71 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Roaring

71 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

70 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

73 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

77 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

73 cfs

9/10

Thu

Roaring

76 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

72 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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.

The ground through the falls loses about 85 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 524 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 87 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 274 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Moulton Falls near Yacolt, Washington, showing about 85 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 524 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 85 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer 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

Moulton Falls is located in Moulton Falls Regional Park, which is accessible via NE Lucia Falls Road in Yacolt, Washington. The park is approximately 45 minutes from Vancouver, WA, and is well-signposted.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at Moulton Falls Regional Park, which is free to use. However, parking may fill up quickly during weekends and peak seasons.

Elevation

525 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.831503° N, -122.389262° W

Land Management

Loth197 LOTH

Managed by CNTY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views, especially the stone arch bridge.

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This easy 2.6 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

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

6.8 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