Moulton Falls

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Moulton Falls

Region: Southwest Washington

Roundtrip Miles: 4.0

Elevation Gain (feet): 90

Best Month(s): May or October

Hikeable: year-round

Trailhead Coordinates: 45.8326, -122.3918

Pass: no pass

Features: river, fall foliage, waterfalls

Water: bring your own as getting water to filter from the river would be dangerous

Summary: While gorgeous on a sunny day, this is also a good rainy day hike. The trees shelter you from some of the rain and the trail is mostly flat except for two 50 feet sections. There are several waterfalls along the trail and you can wander the loops in any fashion you like–there is no set direction you need to start. You do get to walk across the iconic bridge as well. The trail on the south side of the bridge is wide enough to walk 4 people side-by-side but the rest of the trails are normal single-file hiking. Once you take in the water features, you’ll notice how vibrant the forest is–at least 30 different shades of green. It’s an easy, rewarding hike any time of year; however if you’re going for cascading waterfall photos, you’ll want to wait until the flows are lower during the late summer/early fall as during winter the river runs high and fast. Consider stopping by Lucia Falls on your way back. You would have passed it 3 miles west of Moulton Falls if you drove in from I-5. It’s an easy 1-mile loop with another spectacular Lewis River waterfall, but again if you want the gentle cascading waterfall photo, wait till lower flows.

Post-hike Food Stop:

  1. Sproos Tap House and Wine Bar* (Woodland): Sproos has dozens of rotating craft beers, ciders, and meads (plus wine) on tap from several local breweries for you to enjoy all in one place; they have a small food menu as well–try the waffles or the buffalo chicken mac n cheese
  2. Taqueria Mexicana (Woodland): tacos, tamales, quesadilla

Note: The restaurants and breweries denoted with * are potentially dog-friendly for their outdoor seating. Their patio dining may only be open during summer, however. You should always check with each restaurant to see if outdoor space has a separate entrance and if they are willing to accommodate well-behaved dogs. I would never assume just because a place has allowed dogs in the past that this is still the case.