Chasing waterfalls is a passion for many people, myself included. But what is it about waterfalling (a coined expression that’s short for visiting waterfalls) that provides such benefits? Not surprising, the continuous sound of water flow, like that of white noise, has a soothing effect on most people. Plus with easy access to so many waterfalls without tedious hikes to get to them, it’s a quick way to get in touch with nature, witness its miracles, and be around water, the source of life on Earth, all in one!
After enjoying four waterfall hikes in Southern Oregon, I went to visit some friends in Vancouver, WA, and got myself a good night’s rest. My plan was to venture straight home the next day, but my friends told me about two waterfall parks I could visit with only a slight detour, so of course I had to visit those falls!
I left the morning of June 2, 2021, and headed to Lucia Falls Park. This 24-acre park follows the north shore of the East Fork of the Lewis River and features beautiful picnicking and hiking areas. An easy 1.1-miles roundtrip loop takes you to the spectacular view of Lucia Falls tumbling over the rocks. No swimming or other types of water contact are allowed here because the waters are sensitive fish spawning grounds. The park gives visitors a wonderful front row view of steelhead leaping up the falls at certain times of the year. The falls are at their mightiest during the wet season since the river flow is much reduced after the snow melt.
Next up was Moulton Falls Regional Park, a 387-acre park at the confluence of the East Fork of the Lewis River and Big Tree Creek which features two waterfalls and an arch bridge more than three stories high. The park sits on both sides of the river and is heavily forested and includes a few areas of interest including volcanic rock formations from early lava flows, historic Indian meeting grounds, a swing bridge on Big Tree Creek and access to the 7.5-mile Bells Mountain Trail. Swimming and cliff jumping into the deep pools is allowed, however, there are no lifeguards on duty. The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad excursion train also passes through the park.
I hiked maybe a third of the 4-mile out-and-back trail along the river, getting a great view of Moulton Falls and the arch bridge, but got a bit confused on which way to go to get from Moulton Falls to Big Tree Falls (aka Yacolt Falls). Then I read that you could drive up the road a bit further and park close to Big Tree Falls, so I did that instead. It’s just a short jaunt down from the roadside parking to the falls, making it a quick and convenient stop! I was definitely more impressed with this view as it’s a two-tier waterfall totaling around 28 feet and flowing under a lovely and unique foot drawbridge, from which you get an even greater view of the falls. I highly recommend either hiking or driving to Big Tree Falls when you’re in the park.
Both Lucia Falls Park and Moulton Falls Park follow part of the Northern Clark County Scenic Drive, a 70-mile loop skirts past farmland, waterfalls, and historic sites. It just happened to be that if I continued to follow this scenic byway further north and then east, I would get to Interstate-5 to head home, so it only made sense to enjoy the drive through the quaint rural towns on this wonderful sunny day.
My eight day journey came to a close that evening with my heart full of wonderful memories of another fun road trip! On a side note, turns out there are quite a few more waterfalls in Clark County that I missed, so now I know where to go the next time I’m in the area!