Northern Clark County Scenic Drive: Your Weekend Loop of Waterfalls, Farms & Small‑Town Charm
- Prash Gunda
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
When you’re new to Clark County, it’s tempting to stay on I‑5 and treat the rest of the county like an exit ramp. Don’t. One of the best ways to feel at home here is to hop on two wheels or four and explore the Northern Clark County Scenic Drive. This 70‑mile loop isn’t just a pretty road – it’s a sampler platter of the region’s history, geography and quirky roadside attractions. If you need a weekend drive or a casual motorcycle ride to blow off steam, here’s how to make the most of it.
Understanding the loop
The scenic drive forms a counter‑clockwise loop through Battle Ground, Yacolt, La Center and Ridgefield. Picture a circle draped over northern Clark County: the west side hugs the Columbia River and the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge; the north and east sides climb into evergreen hills and waterfall country; the south side cuts back through farmland to Battle Ground. Road signs help you stay on track if you travel counter‑clockwise, but they disappear in the other direction, so stick with the loop for a stress‑free cruise.
Starting from the west: Ridgefield to La Center
A good way to start your weekend drive is by exiting I‑5 near Ridgefield and taking the old highway toward La Center. Ridgefield offers a quick introduction to the county’s wild side – the national wildlife refuge is filled with migratory birds and bald eagles. Pack binoculars and walk the short trail; there’s also a plankhouse here, a replica of the cedar homes used by the Indigenous peoples of the region.
Continue north toward La Center and you’ll drive past farm fields and the occasional casino. La Center itself is a tiny town with a couple of cafés where you can grab coffee before your ride. The official map lists La Center Bottoms (a wetland area) and Paradise Point State Park as early stops. Paradise Point offers river access and picnic spots under bigleaf maples – perfect if you need to stretch after those first miles.
Eastbound: Waterfalls and forest
From La Center, follow the route east toward the foothills of the Cascades. The scenery shifts quickly from farmland to thick forest as you approach the East Fork Lewis River. Soon you’ll hit a trio of parks that make this loop famous: Whipple Creek Regional Park, Daybreak Park, and Lewisville Park. Whipple Creek is criss‑crossed with horse‑friendly trails and offers a good chance to see ferns and second‑growth cedar. Daybreak Park (26401 NE Daybreak Road, Battle Ground) has an easy riverside path and boat launch. Lewisville Park (26411 NE Lewisville Highway) is one of the state’s oldest parks and still retains its 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps charm.
Keep going east and you’ll reach Battle Ground. Main Street is an ideal lunch stop; locals swear by Burgerville for fast, locally‑sourced burgers and seasonal milkshakes. If you prefer something else, there are diners and bakeries along Main. Just beyond town, the terrain rises to Battle Ground Lake State Park, a forest‑ringed crater lake formed by an ancient volcanic explosion. The route then climbs higher into waterfall country. Lucia Falls Park (21803 NE Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt) and Moulton Falls Park (27781 NE Lucia Falls Road) sit a couple miles apart. Lucia Falls is small but powerful, with accessible viewpoints. Moulton Falls features an arch bridge over the East Fork Lewis River; it’s a favorite swimming and photography spot.
Heading north: Yacolt and the backroads
Past Moulton Falls, the road curves toward the tiny town of Yacolt. This is where the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad operates heritage train rides. If you time it right, you can hear the whistle and watch the old locomotive rumble through the forest. There’s also the Pomeroy Living History Farm, a working 1920s‑era homestead where volunteers in period attire demonstrate chores. For a quick caffeine fix, Yacolt has a surprisingly good espresso stand right off the main drag.
Just up the road is the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, an 1876 water‑powered grain mill that still grinds flour on demonstration days. It’s tucked into the forest on the banks of Cedar Creek and connected to a covered bridge, making it one of the most photogenic stops on the loop. Across the creek sits the North Clark Historical Museum, housed in a former church in Amboy. It’s small but packed with artifacts from logging days and early settlers. Both sites offer a quiet contrast to the roar of the waterfalls.
Closing the loop: Farmland to Ridgefield
As you head west from Yacolt, the route winds through rolling farmland and pastures dotted with old barns. This part of the drive is about the joy of open road: sweeping curves and long views across the valley. Eventually you’ll drop back into La Center and return to Ridgefield, completing the loop. If you have time, detour into downtown Ridgefield for a craft beer or ice cream before jumping back on I‑5. The town’s boardwalk along the slough makes for a peaceful sunset stroll.
Tips for a great ride
Follow the signs: The county intended the route to be traveled counter‑clockwise. Go the other way and you’ll miss signage.
Pack a picnic: Many of the parks have picnic tables, restrooms and trails. Grab supplies in Battle Ground or Ridgefield.
Check event schedules: Pomeroy Farm hosts living‑history events and the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad runs themed rides; check their websites before you go.
Fuel up: Fuel is available in Battle Ground, La Center and Amboy. Motorcyclists should plan accordingly; there are no gas stations deep in the loop.
Final word
For newcomers seeking an authentic taste of the region, the Northern Clark County Scenic Drive is an unbeatable introduction. It’s equal parts scenic drive near Portland, history lesson and nature escape. The route showcases waterfalls, volcanic lakes, working farms, historic mills and small‑town diners in one tidy package. Whether you’re steering a convertible or leaning into a motorcycle ride, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the county you now call home. Fill up the tank, grab a map (Clark County’s official printable brochure lists all the parks and their addresses) and make this loop your own.
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