Moon Falls
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(Click here to get the printer friendly version of this hike, a topographical map and info on other nearby trails, campgrounds, and directions/mileage from 5 major cities in Oregon).
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Moon Falls is part of a series of three waterfalls that are very close to each other. Because Pinard, Spirit and Moon Falls are all so close together and they are short hikes, many people decided to do all three in one day. There is a lovely picnic table at the trailhead where you can have lunch or a snack, however there is no pit toilet. Please remember that when going to the bathroom in the woods, please always follow the Leave No Trace Principles. The trail starts out pretty level and is very well maintained. There are some smaller rocks and roots to watch out for but for the most part it is a very easy going trail. There are no trail splits or anything you have to worry about, so after cruising through the forest for 0.6 miles, you will get to the bottom of Moon Falls. |
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(picnic table at the base of Moon Falls)
At the base of 100 ft. Moon Falls, there is a picnic table as well, however the temperature drops about 10 degrees down here in the dark forest and at the base of the falls, so it might be a bit uncomfortable down there. There is also a lot of spray that comes off the falls when the flow is heavy, so the picnic table can tend to be wet.
(Moon Falls 100 ft. tall)
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The trail ends into the base of the falls which is just a rocky hillside and the stream continues heading downhill. When the water is low, you can rock hop over to the other side of the creek and see the waterfall from the other side. Moon Falls cascades veil-like 100 ft. down beautiful moss covered rocks, and it really is the most beautiful waterfall in the three waterfall series of Pinard, Spirit and Moon Falls.
(appreciating the scale of Moon Falls)
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Overall, this hike is extremely easy and doable for any age and fitness level. The trail is well maintained and relatively wide and flat. With this hike being so close to Eugene, Cottage Grove and Oakridge, you would think it would be more popular than it is, but it is very underrated. The waterfall and the hike are so beautiful and this would definitely be the perfect place to go for an after work evening picnic, or a quick Sunday family outing. |
Approximate hike time: 35 minutes w/ an average pace of 2 mph
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(Best time to go is in March, April, May and June when everything is nice and green and waterfalls have a lot of flow).
Trail usage: Low to medium
Directions: From Eugene take OR-58 east towards Oakridge until right past milepost 24. Turn right onto Patterson Mtn. Road 5840 for 5.1 miles. At the saddle turn right onto FS-17 towards Rujada Campground for 4.4 miles. Once you get to the pavement take NF-1702 for 2.8 miles then turn right onto spur road 1702-203 and continue to the trailhead at the road's end. There is room for about 3-4 cars in the parking area.
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(Best time to go is in March, April, May and June when everything is nice and green and waterfalls have a lot of flow).
Trail usage: Low to medium
Directions: From Eugene take OR-58 east towards Oakridge until right past milepost 24. Turn right onto Patterson Mtn. Road 5840 for 5.1 miles. At the saddle turn right onto FS-17 towards Rujada Campground for 4.4 miles. Once you get to the pavement take NF-1702 for 2.8 miles then turn right onto spur road 1702-203 and continue to the trailhead at the road's end. There is room for about 3-4 cars in the parking area.
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To get a more in-depth and personal view of this hike, watch the YouTube video.
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*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.
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