Do go chasing waterfalls, stop sticking to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to. While we can’t get enough of the Gorge and its waterfall corridor, this area can get kind of crowded in the summer. Instead, watch as the hills flow down from Mt. Saint Helens towards the Columbia, creating these highly accessible water paths on the Washington side of the river, each less than a 5 minutes hike (or climb) from your car and within an hour of downtown Portland.
Dougan Falls
If you want to swim at a waterfall, follow the Washougal River Road towards Dougan Creek Campground and drive a short way on the camp road to the day use parking area. Pro tip: You’ll need a Washington Discover Pass which can be purchased online for $10, or buy an annual pass. The day use area lets you park and walk right up to the swimming hole, a deep well at the base of a series of cascading 100-foot waterfalls. This spot gets deep quick, but is otherwise gentle near the base of the falls. The facility includes picnic tables and a vault toilet if you aren’t camping — perfect for a picnic.
Naked Falls
Naked Falls is located near Stevenson, Washington (about 1 hour from downtown Portland) and minutes from Dougan Falls. This spot is probably one of my favorite discoveries upon moving to the area. No, I did not see any naked people. Yes, I saw plenty of waterfalls, swam, took all the photos, and felt like I had a true adventure. Naked Falls is a public river and waterway, but the land access is private. You’ll need to buy a parking pass for day use which is available online for $13. Day use allows you a full car (legal capacity of passengers) from sunrise to sundown. The water is accessible less than 50 feet from the parking lot but it’s down a steep dirt hill path. I use “path” generously here, and if you hate heights like me it’s a bit intimidating. My 6-year-old at the time though, had absolutely no trouble and spent much time encouraging me up and down the hill while I froze in terror. Despite all this, it’s worth it for one of the most unique intersections of rocks, pools and gentle falls you can find. A true hidden gem.
Moulton Falls
Moulton Falls is the perfect walk up waterfall, especially if you like a short walk on a well-maintained trail. Open year round as part of a 387- acre park, swimming is allowed with a heavy dose of caution based on seasonal conditions. We visited in spring and watched fantastic raging water from the stroller friendly trails and lookout spots . If you are equipped to hike a short distance farther with a bit more rugged terrain, there is a hiking trail connecting to Lucia Falls, just 2.5 miles away.
Note for the 2024 season: Preservation work is scheduled to temporarily close the area’s iconic bridge and significantly limit parking through September. There is no parking on Lucia Falls Road itself, so visitors should plan ahead and check out nearby Lucia Falls Regional Park (which does not have water access) and Lewisville Regional Park.
Lucia Falls
Lucia Falls is the more aggressive neighbor to Moulton Falls (smaller park, bigger water). Pro tip: Lucia Falls is just for looking; swimming is not allowed. While some will note the high rate of icy cold water tumbling down the river, this area is also adjacent to sensitive fish spawning grounds. Like its neighbor, Lucia Falls boasts well-maintained trails and basic amenities such as bathrooms and picnic tables.
We visited the sister falls in the spring, and the rivers were absolutely raging. To our absolute delight, we happened to visit during a practice session of one of the area water rescue teams. Navigating those spring rapids in any manner is no task for the timid. It also helped convince my kiddo that this was not a swimming beach.
If you can’t get enough of the amazing waterfall hikes in the PNW, you’ll love this waterfall and this one, too!
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