Moon Falls

Distance: 1.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 230 feet.

Moon Falls is one of three different waterfalls located within close proximity of each other in Layng Creek Watershed of the Umpqua National Forest. Moon Falls is the largest waterfall in the Layng Creek watershed, as it tumbles 190 feet down jagged blocks of basalt for a nice fanning effect. The falls doesn’t appear as high as it actually is though, as the upper portion of the waterfall is pitched and you can’t really see it from where the trail first encounters the falls. Moon Falls is located along the upper reaches of Alex Creek, and the flow through here can fluctuate dramatically during the year. Flow is generally good into July, but can reduce down to a trickle in the later summer months.

The hike begins at a small trailhead at the end of a side road off of Alex Creek Road. The trail is relatively short, with some easy ups and downs as your traverse the hillside on your way to the falls. Although this is the longest of the trifecta of Layng Creek waterfalls, it is the easiest. The trail can also have muddy sections that persist for much of the year. But before you now it, you will begin to hear the roar of Moon Falls and as you round one last corner, the falls in all her majesty will be laid out before you. There’s even a picnic table right near the base of the falls so you can relax and enjoy the view.

Directions

To reach Pinard Falls, take exit 174 off of I-5 towards Cottage Grove and Dorena Lake. Make a left and follow Row River Road for 4 miles. Then continue straight, following the signs towards Dorena Lake on Shoreline Road. After another 6.6 miles, you will remerge with Row River Road which you will follow for another 7.7 miles. Here, make a left onto Layng Creek Road towards Rujada Campground in the small community of Disston. Follow this paved, twisty road for 8.7 more miles as its winds up into the forest. When you reach an intersection next to a vault toilet, make a right and head up towards Spirit Falls. Just past Spirit Falls, you will reach an interesection. Head to the right and continue for 2.7 miles on Forest Road 1702, Alex Creek Road. There will then be a sign directing you down to the right towards Moon Falls. The road will dead end 0.4 miles head at the trailhead.

If you are coming from the east and don’t want to drive all the way into Cottage Grove, you can take a shortcut over the mountains. Just be aware that, depending on the year, snow may block the road well into May. To follow this route, continue on Highway 58 eleven miles west of Oakridge and make a left onto Patterson Mountain Road. Continue on this gravel road for 4.8 miles as it climbs up to a 4-way intersection at the saddle. There will be numerous road offshoots along the way, but identifying the main one is fairly easy, and that is the one to stay on. Once at the saddle, head straight through, following the sign to Rujada Campground. Its another 4.1 miles down form the saddle, with some pretty impressive potholes in the road, so take your time. Once you reach the vault toilet, head straight towards Spirit Falls. Just past Spirit Falls, you will reach an interesection. Head to the right and continue for 2.7 miles on Forest Road 1702, Alex Creek Road. There will then be a sign directing you down to the right towards Moon Falls. The road will dead end 0.4 miles head at the trailhead.

Things to Know

Passes: No passes are required.

Dogs: Allowed and must be on leash or under voice command at all times.

Usage: Light - Moderate

Open Season: Depending on the snow year, can sometimes be accessed throughout the year, but be sure to check snow levels. In the winter and spring, its also not uncommon for blowdown to block the road as well.

Bugs: Mosquitos are known to inhabitat the area, primarly during the early summer months.

Waterfall Flows: The flows over Moon Falls are generally pretty steady into July, but can reduce down to a trickle in the later summer months.

Regulations: The Layng Creek Basin is part of the municiple water supply for Cottage Grove, so camping and swimming in the area is prohibited.