Support Us Button Widget

Hike of the Month: Lucia Falls Loop

Explore the East Fork of the Lewis River via this pleasant loop that offers access to Moulton Falls.

A short shelf waterfall in the middle of a small river with rocky banks and forest.

Get a front-row view of leaping steelhead traveling to their spawning grounds.

Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Table of Contents

Getting outside and experiencing nature doesn’t have to mean slogging up a mountain for miles and miles. Whether you need a break from high-intensity adventuring or just want to visit a beautiful waterfall without committing hours (and wading through crowds) to get to it, Lucia Falls Loop is a great option.

Quick facts

  • Starting point: Lucia Falls Regional Park
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Distance: 0.8 miles
  • Route type: Loop
  • Elevation gain: ~60 ft
  • Trail surface: Dirt
  • Wheelchair accessible: No
  • Dog friendly: Yes, on leash
A gif image of a shelf waterfall surrounded by a dark forest.

The 15-ft waterfall plunges over a rock ledge in the river, lending a wild, rugged beauty to the wooded landscape.

Gif by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Brief overview

After a scenic drive through the mossy forests of Southwest Washington’s Clark County, park in the small lot at Lucia Falls Regional Park (no permit required). Pick up the trail at the east end of the lot and take the loop in either direction. Walk along the East Fork of the Lewis River and enjoy views of Lucia Falls. You can carefully scramble along the shore’s impressive boulders and rocky outcroppings — but swimming isn’t allowed.

Why you should try it

This is a perfect spot to look for birds like bald eagles and, depending on the time of year, watch as steelhead leap up the falls. The 24-acre park is full of rhododendrons, cedars, and towering Douglas fir trees and features several picnic tables, a Porta Potty, and a barbecue grill.

A river bordered by evergreen trees swirls around large, mossy boulders under a gray sky.

The water around Lucia Falls is off-limits to all human contact to protect fish.

Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Pro tip

Want to extend your visit? Pass around the end of the fence along Hantwick Road to reach the Hantwick Road Trailhead and continue on to Moulton Falls. Time your visit to coincide with Farm Days (every first weekend of the month, June-August) at historic Pomeroy Farm just 0.5 mile down the road from Lucia Falls Regional Park.

Let us know

Did you try this hike? Do you know of one we should check out? Send us your thoughts and recommendations — or check out our other hiking guides.

More from PDXtoday
We posed this question to our Instagram followers, now it’s your turn.
Pick out a seasonal squash, wander through a corn maze, or just take in the autumn vibes at these local farms.
The City of Roses was ranked as a top city for remote workers thanks to its consistent growth.
Dig into cuisine like gyros and spanakopita, enjoy traditional folk dance performances, church tours, and the Hellenic-American Cultural Center & Museum.