Looking for a summer escape that won’t eat up your whole day? Moulton Falls Regional Park sits just an hour north of Portland, offering cold swimming holes, scenic waterfalls, and shaded trails perfect for hot days.
This park draws families and outdoor lovers who want easy access to natural beauty without the fees or crowds of more famous spots.
You’ll find calm river water, well-maintained paths, and plenty of space to spread out with a picnic. The free entry and convenient location make it a popular choice for weekend getaways.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go. We’ll walk through parking tips, swimming safety, trail options, and how to make the most of your visit to this popular Clark County destination. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to bring and when to arrive.
Key Information for Your Visit
Planning makes your trip smoother. Here’s what you need to know about access, parking, and park rules at Moulton Falls Regional Park.
Park Access and Hours
The park opens at 7 AM and closes at dusk every day of the year. Best of all, entry is completely free with no pass required, making it an affordable option for families on a budget.
Arriving early matters, especially on summer weekends when temperatures climb. The parking lot fills up fast on hot days, and the best swimming spots get claimed by mid-morning.
Parking Situation
The main parking lot sits right off Lucia Falls Road and offers the quickest access to the falls and bridge. When this lot fills up, which happens often on sunny weekends, overflow parking becomes available along the road.
Another option is the Hantwick Road Trailhead, which gives you access to the same trail system but from a different entry point. Weekdays see much lighter traffic, so you’ll usually find a spot without circling.
Important Safety Guidelines
The historic suspension bridge looks tempting, but jumping from it is strictly prohibited. Every year, people get injured trying it, and park officials take this rule seriously.
Dogs are welcome throughout Moulton Falls Regional Park, but must stay on a leash at all times. The river has no lifeguard on duty, so swimming happens at your own risk. Stay away from cliff areas where people have gotten hurt attempting dangerous jumps.
Facilities Available
You’ll find restrooms near the main parking area, along with several picnic tables scattered throughout the park. The facilities are basic but well-maintained for a regional park.
Additional portable toilets sit at the various trailheads around the property. These aren’t fancy, but they serve their purpose when you’re spending several hours hiking or swimming.
Swimming and River Access
The East Fork Lewis River provides the main draw for summer visitors. Here’s what the swimming experience actually looks like.
What to Expect at the Swimming Holes
The water stays cold year-round, fed by upstream sources that keep temperatures brisk even in July and August. Crystal clear conditions let you see straight to the rocky bottom, which makes for great visibility but means you need water shoes.
Don’t expect sandy beaches here. The banks consist of smooth rocks and boulders, with some flat sunny ledges for laying out towels. Save your swimming trips for genuinely hot days, as the chilly water only feels good when you’re already warm.
Safety Considerations
The river flows at a calm, predictable pace in the swimming areas during the summer months. This isn’t a rushing mountain stream, which makes it safer for families with older kids who can swim confidently.
Most injuries happen from careless behavior, not dangerous conditions. People slip on wet rocks, jump from heights they shouldn’t, or ignore warning signs. Use common sense, wear appropriate footwear, and watch where you step.
Waterfalls Worth Seeing
Two main waterfalls draw visitors to this area, each offering something different for your trip.
- Moulton Falls serves as the park’s namesake and main attraction, sitting right near the suspension bridge for incredibly easy access from the parking lot.
- You can view the main waterfall from multiple angles, including from the bridge itself, which spans the river at a scenic spot.
- Yacolt Falls hides further along the trail system and sees fewer visitors despite being just as pretty as its more famous neighbor.
- This smaller cascade requires a short hike to reach, which filters out some of the crowd that congregates at the main bridge area.
- Both waterfalls flow strongest in spring and early summer, though they remain visible and worth photographing even in late summer when the flow decreases.
The accessibility of Moulton Falls makes it great for quick visits, while Yacolt Falls rewards those willing to walk a bit further with a quieter setting.
Hiking Options at the Park
Moulton Falls Regional Park offers several trail choices for different energy levels and time constraints.
Yacolt Falls Loop
This 2.3-mile loop ranks as a local favorite, offering thick forest cover and a mix of terrain. The trail features well-built stairs in steeper sections, making the elevation changes manageable for most fitness levels.
Despite the crowds that gather at the main bridge, this trail feels quieter once you get moving. The loop takes you through dense greenery and delivers you to Yacolt Falls, which often has only a handful of people compared to the mob at Moulton Falls.
East Fork Lewis River Trail
This flat, shaded path stretches for 5 miles round-trip along the river, though you can turn around whenever you like. The packed dirt surface stays even and is easy to walk on, making it suitable for families with younger kids.
Summer brings wild berries along sections of the trail, adding a foraging element to your hike. You can start from either the main parking area or the Hantwick Road Trailhead, depending on where you find parking.
Nearby Waterfalls to Add to Your Trip
Two other waterfall spots sit within easy driving distance if you want to extend your outing.
Lucia Falls Regional Park
This smaller park makes a quick stop on your drive to or from Moulton Falls Regional Park. The waterfall here looks impressive, but swimming is not allowed due to salmon protection efforts.
Crowds stay lighter here compared to Moulton Falls, making it a good backup option. A short trail and small loop let you stretch your legs without committing to a long hike.
Sunset Falls
This spot requires a Northwest Forest Pass, unlike the free access at Moulton Falls Regional Park. The more remote location means fewer people, giving it a wilder feel.
Swimming is actually allowed in the pool beneath Sunset Falls, providing another cold water option. The access road and trail require a bit more effort to reach than the other parks in this area.
Getting to Moulton Falls Regional Park
The park sits about an hour north of Portland, making it an easy day trip from the metro area.
- Take I-5 north to Highway 503, then follow the signs toward Lucia Falls Road
- The entire route follows paved roads suitable for any vehicle, with no need for high clearance or four-wheel drive.
- Sedans and minivans handle the trip just fine on maintained roads
- For GPS navigation, use the address:-28921 NE Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt, WA 98675
- This address will drop you right at the main entrance and parking area
The straightforward drive means you spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the park.
Planning Your Day
A little strategy helps you get the most out of your visit to Moulton Falls Regional Park.
- Start with hiking in the cooler morning hours before the sun gets intense, when shaded trails feel comfortable.
- Mid-morning works well for checking out the waterfalls and getting your photos without harsh overhead light.
- Save swimming for the afternoon when you’ve warmed up from hiking and the sun has heated the rocks along the river.
- Bring water shoes for the rocky bottom, as regular sandals won’t provide enough protection.
- Pack a picnic lunch to save time and money instead of leaving the park to find food.
- Don’t forget sunscreen since the river areas get full sun exposure during peak hours.
- Arrive by 9 AM on summer weekends to claim parking and good spots before crowds build.
Consider combining your visit with a stop at Lucia Falls or one of the other nearby attractions to make a full day of it.
Conclusion
Moulton Falls Regional Park combines waterfalls, swimming, and forest trails into one accessible package less than an hour from Portland. The free entry makes it budget-friendly, while the variety of activities keeps everyone in your group happy for hours.
The main draws are clear: cold swimming holes for hot days, easy waterfall access, and trails suitable for most fitness levels. Yes, it gets busy on summer weekends, but early arrival solves most crowding issues.
Come prepared with water shoes, sunscreen, and snacks. Plan to spend at least half a day here to truly enjoy what the park offers. The combination of natural beauty and convenience explains why Moulton Falls Regional Park remains a top choice for locals and visitors looking for outdoor fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Swim at Moulton Falls Regional Park year-round?
The cold river water makes swimming practical only during the summer months when air temperatures run hot. Spring and fall feel too chilly for most people, though the brave few do it.
How Long Should I Plan to Spend at the Park?
Most visitors spend 3 to 4 hours combining a short hike with swimming time. A full day works if you plan to do longer trails and really relax by the water.
Are There Amenities for Young Children?
The park offers easy, flat trails and calm swimming areas suitable for kids who can swim. Watch younger children closely on wet rocks, and keep them away from the bridge railings.
What Should I Bring for a Day at Moulton Falls?
Pack water shoes for rocky river bottoms, drinking water, snacks or lunch, towels, and sunscreen. A dry bag helps protect phones and keys while swimming.
Is Moulton Falls Crowded During the Week?
Weekday visits see much lighter crowds than weekends, with easier parking and more space at swimming holes. Early mornings any day of the week offer the quietest experience.
