Lewis, E. Fork
4 - Moulton Falls to Lewisville Park (Hwy 503)
| Difficulty | III+(V) |
| Length | 10.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 33 fpm |
| Gauge | East Fork Lewis River Near Heisson, Wa |
| Flow Rate as of 42 minutes | 301 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | June 11, 2019 |
River Description
The run starts out with Moulton Falls, accessed from a day use area that provides parking for the put-in. You can scout out lines for the falls but most put in just downstream.
The river kicks off with some fun class II and then drops over LaLonde's Drop. More fun rapids continue down to Hantwick Road Bridge. As you approach this bridge the river enters a narrow canyon with a great entrance drop that takes you straight through a big wave hole. As you exit the canyon you find yourself a cool bedrock slot that flows down under the bridge.
As you reach a big eddy with a horizon line a short distance downstream of the Hantwick Bridge you're at the horizon line for Lucia Falls. The falls located in a county park has been run although 'water contact recreation' is formally prohibited in the park. During the salmon run, fish rest in the pools at the base of the rapid before shooting upstream and the idea is to limit disturbance to the fish. You can use the trails through the park to portage on river right which also serves as an alternate put-in access for the lower half of the run.
Downstream from Lucia Falls the run continues with more great whitewater. Things get interesting again as you approach Heisson Bridge. Here the river flows over what is either a technical boulder garden (at lower flows) or a bouncy flush through a well-padded boulder garden (at higher flows). As you pass under the bridge you pass through another incredible mini canyon carved into the bedrock by the power of the river.
A couple more fun rapids keep things interesting as you continue on down to the take-out in Lewisville Park.
River Features
Moulton Falls
Moulton Falls has been run but most launch from the rocks at the downstream end of the rapid. If you are thinking to run be sure to scout out the wall on river right.
Canyon at Hantwick Bridge
A beautiful little canyon that starts out with a big wave hole then twists and turns through the bedrock.
Lucia Falls
Lucia Falls has been run although the county posted the area for no water contact recreation. The downstream end of the falls is commonly used as a put-in for a shorter run.
Heisson Bridge Rapid
A fun drop you can easily scout on the shuttle.
Lewisville Park Boat Ramp
The boat ramp in the park provides convenient access to the river.
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportA river wide log along the straight section of rhe river that parallels NE Lucia Falls Road downstream of Pomero Farms and upstream of a cable crossing. You can catch a glimpse of the tree from the road if watching for it. At this flow it snuck up on us as we were in a slow flat water section and not expecting anything here.
approx tree location (45.8378147, -122.4638275)
It is possible to take out under Heisson Bridge if you want to shorten the run and avoid the easier water in the second half but parking is very challenging. The whole area has no parking signs and the nearest legal spot is about a half mile away.
Boat ramp river access in Lewisville Park.
The biggest drop at the start of the canyon is just upstream and around the corner.