Lucia Falls is one of those special places that locals can easily take for granted living in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a beautiful waterfall, flowing over ancient volcanic rocks, lined with towering Douglas fir evergreen trees, crystal clean water roaring past you, and you are more likely than not to have the entire place to yourself.
The drive to get there is just as beautiful. It is in SW Washington along the Clark County Scenic Route. As you drive north from Battle Ground on Hwy 503, on a clear day you have an extraordinary view of Mt. St. Helens. Take a right on Rock Creek Road towards Yacolt and you follow a lovely two lane road just meant for a good Sunday meander. You’ll soon be following the ever curving Lewis River underneath a canopy of trees – perfect for a sunny day drive with the sunroof open. Not far past Pomeroy History Farm and Winery you’ll come across a small wayside parking lot at Lucia Falls. A very short walk on a smooth graveled path and you’ll soon hear the roar of the waterfall. You can practically walk right up to the edge, or take a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables. There are a few paths to walk – an easy 1 mile loop if you desire – where you can see the fall from different angles or admire the volcanic rock formations in this mini gorge. In the spring, the water is forceful. In the summer, more laid back. There is no fishing or swimming allowed, so it is a nice peaceful spot to stop and enjoy nature. If you’re lucky you’ll see some salmon migrating while you sip your coffee.
If you want to continue your summery Sunday drive, keep on the road and head to nearby Moulton Falls, then into Yacolt where you can take a scenic train ride on the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad or toward Amboy to visit the North Clark Historical Museum,have some lunch, and continue on to see the Cedar Creek Grist Mill and end up back in Woodland where you can visit the Hulda Klager Lilac Garden before hitting I-5 again.
Route of the Scenic Drive
