If you’re looking for a quick, beautiful outing near Vancouver, a visit to Moulton Falls Regional Park is always a good idea. This time of year, the water is high and the falls feel especially dramatic: fast, loud, and full of energy. We went on a rainy weekend and, to our surprise, had the place nearly to ourselves.
One of the best parts? It’s easy. There’s no entrance fee, parking is plentiful, and dogs are welcome. We even brought our elderly pup, who handled the “hike” just fine—which tells you everything you need to know about the level of effort required.
The park features a stunning arched footbridge suspended more than 50 feet above the river (and yes, it’s very photogenic). A short walk leads you to Yacolt Creek Falls, a just-under-one-mile loop with a charming swinging footbridge perched right above the falls. It’s a quick, family-friendly stroll that still delivers that lush, “Pacific Northwest magical” feeling.
On this particular visit, we stumbled across a shiny red train and a small building labeled “Moulton Station,” which sent us down a fun little research path. It turns out the tracks belong to the historic Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, originally built in the early 1900s to haul timber out of the Yacolt area. Today, it’s used for scenic excursions rather than freight, offering themed rides like fall foliage tours, festive holiday trains, and even the occasional dinner ride. Trains depart from nearby town of Yacolt, just minutes from the park.
This simple little adventure is a great reminder that you don’t have to go far to find beauty in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re out for a short walk, a picnic, or just a breath of fresh forest air, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel grateful to call this area home.
