Pinard Falls

Distance: 1.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 240 feet.

Pinard Falls is one of three different waterfalls located within close proximity of each other in Layng Creek Watershed of the Umpqua National Forest. Pinard Falls itself shoots through a notch of basalt before plunging 105 feet to a pool below. The falls has carved a narrow alcove into the cliff face into which the water twists as it falls making this a beautiful and unique waterfall. Even though Pinard Falls has been known by locals for some time, but the official trail was only just completed back in 2007. While portions of the trail can be challenging, this unique waterfall is worth the visit.

The hike begins from a small parking area off of Forest Road 1790. The trail follows an old logging road for the first couple of miles or so. Here, at the second switchback, the old road has been closed off and the trail switches back, continues to head down towards the fall. The steepness of the trail definitely increases here, and the trail can become quite muddy at times, making it very slippery. Soon though, you will be down and will spot your first glimpse of the falls as you round a corner just before it. Don’t’ stop here though as there is an excellent viewing area, complete with a bench just up ahead. There is also a steep footpath that you can take all the way down to the base of the falls if you desire. Enjoy!

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 3.3 miles on Forest Road 1790. The trailhead will be on your right.

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 3.3 miles on Forest Road 1790. The trailhead will be on your right.

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.

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