Moulton Falls Via Mount Bell
-Trail Name: Moulton Falls and Mount Bell Loop
-Enter/Exit Point: Hantwick Trailhead
-Trail Type: Double Ended Lolipop
-Difficulty Level: Easy despite distance
-Distance: 7.3 miles
-Elevation: 966 feet
-Guide: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/moulton-falls-and-bell-mt-loop
-Review: After trying to hike trails at Moulton Falls in the past while the bridge was being worked on, I decided to make a return on a beautiful spring day to see what the rest of the trail was like now that the bridge was open. By pure chance of trusting my GPS I began this hike not at the crowded parking area near the falls but at the other end at the Hantwick Trail Head. The beginning of the hike relied heavily on my AllTrails GPS map as there were numerous trails that intersected and staying on course was a little tricky. If starting from the Hantwick Trailhead you will begin to gain most of the near 1,000’ of elevation immediately. The climb is gradual and on nicely groomed multi use trails with bits of mud and a good chance of seeing a mountain biker out. You will cross several streams along this hike while enjoying beautiful forrest views and the occasional mountain sighting. The trail descends quickly down to the main paved/gravel trail that will take you to Moulton Falls and the often crowded parking area before you return back via the more popular Moulton Falls trail all the way back to the Hantwick Trailhead. This section of trail is very level and wide and I saw numerous people hiking, jogging and riding their bikes. If you prefer more seclusion there are multiple trails that you can take back up Mount Bell to connect you back to the trailhead but keep that GPS handy. Cheers!
-Rating: Bring a friend
Rating Guide:
-Gram it: Check out the pictures on Instagram because this one is not worth seeing in person
-Hike it: It’s short and sweet. Might as well knock it out in a day
-Bag it: Pack a bag and spend the night
-Bring a friend: Easy enough to bring a friend. Maybe this is where you can introduce someone to backpacking.
-Come Back: I will keep doing this trip it’s so good.
