Moulton Falls is a one of a kind kiss ass Swimming Hole located in Yacolt, Washington, which is less than an hours drive from Popina’s Portland Swimwear Boutique in NE Portland. The State of Washington Web Site states that it is “Located at the confluence of the Lewis River and Big Tree Creek, you can see two stunning waterfalls and an arch bridge over three stories high. Boasting volcanic rock formations from early lava flows, historic Indian meeting grounds, and over two miles of scenic hiking, it’s a must see”

Will and Cassis at Moulton Falls

I guess I will have to see the Waterfalls, Indian Meeting Grounds and hiking trails next time, this is the second time I have gone.  The first time was with my niece Olivia and my trusted River Dog Cassis on one of the record heat days of mid July (105 I believe was the temperature).  Yesterday I went with Popina’s very own Pamela and Cassis for a hearty day of swimwear product testing, actually we only were able to stay for a couple hours, but note to self, next summer, I will go early check out the waterfalls, hiking trails, etc.  Yesterday the temperature was just a paultry mid 90’s so the water felt good, but not nearly as refreshing as on my first trip in Mid-July.  If the weather was in the 80’s the water might feel cold (but there would probably also be less people).  I definately recommend saving this trip for at least a 90 degree day, my sense is that we will be getting these days regularly in the years to come, so you will have your chances.

Cassis the River Dog

The Moulton Falls Swimming Hole is very easy to find, just do a Google Map search on Moulton Falls.  From there once you get close you will see a ton of cars parking all around if it is a good hot day.  I reccomend going during the week, I went during the week the two times I went and it was packed with people, I can not imagine how busy it would be on the weekend.  Of course in the summer, most people can not break away for a swim so the two times I went Moulton Falls was crouded with teen agers, this is a rural local though so most if these children were very polite.

Moulton Falls is probably the closest I have felt like being in a great Hawaii swimming hole without being in Hawaii.  The Moulton Falls Swimming Hole is in a bit of a george with walled rocks on either side, every 20 seconds or so you hear a crash from one of the kids jumping in the water from varying heights.  On my first trip when it was off the charts crouded there were kids lined up on this bridge below, taking turns to jump off.

It may be a little hard to get a sense of how high this bridge is but I would definitely not jump off, it is high and interspersed with the periodic 20 second crashes of kids jumping in, every five minutes or so there is a collective gasp of some one not hitting the water quite right from the high height.  Seems like most people who are regulars have a story of how someone hurt themselves jumping off the bridge.

Tags: Moulton Falls, Portland Swimming Hole

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