If you’re looking for an easy Washington hike, I highly recommend checking out Moulton Falls Trails in Washington. This hike is just an hour away from Portland and the clear East Fork Lewis river and cascading waterfalls spotlight some of the prettiest features of the Pacific Northwest.

The trail here is wide and flat, so it’s a perfect hike to bring your kids or dogs. It’s also wheelchair accessible, as the trail starts out paved. It does turn to gravel, though, so keep that in mind.

Moulton Falls itself is more of a rocky cascade of water and not a towering waterfall, but it’s still makes for a beautiful hike.

The river is a sight to behold, and has great swimming holes for adventure in the summer.

As you walk, you are surrounded by Douglas firs, maples, alders, and cedar trees.

During the winter, the hike can be dark and chilly, but also scenic as rainwater flows over small waterfalls into the river. Winter is also a great time for spotting bald eagles.

You can also hike 1 1/2 miles up the Bells Mountain trail off of the Moultan Falls Trail for a stunning viewpoint, but it is 1,000 feet up, so get ready for some steep climbing. I opted not to take the side hike.

Before turning around, there is a picnic area at the far end of the hike, so bring a picnic to enjoy with the scenery a little longer.

There are also interesting volcanic rock formations from early lava flows. I later found out there is a stunning waterfall across the street, which is Yacolt Creek Falls, but I didn’t find that out until later, so I missed that hike.

The Moulton Falls Trail can get busy, so the earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to find parking.

The trail takes just under two hours and is 2 1/2 miles long. Make sure to wear waterproof shoes in winter, as the trail is much wetter then.

If you’re looking for an escape from the heat in the summer, or for a tranquil winter hike, the Moulton Falls Trail is the perfect Washington hike.