Moon Falls Trail #1423

Area Status: Open

The first 0.3 miles of Moon Falls Trail follows a closed spur road, while the final 0.2 miles traversesa beautiful old growth forest forest. The trail ends at the base of Moon Falls, a picturesque, 100-foot waterfall that cascades into rocky Alex Creek. High water flows can be expected after springtime rains, but they will decrease to a lacy cascade as summer progresses. The cool, heavy mist maintains the lush vegetation and makes for a welcome respite on a hot summer day.

Moon Falls Trail #1423, Pinard Falls Trail #1406, and Spirit Falls Trail #1413 constitute a trinity of Cottage Grove Ranger District’s most beautiful waterfalls. Due to their close proximity and relatively short total hiking distance of three miles, many choose to do two or three in the same day.

Detailed trail maps and descriptions can be found in the Cottage Grove Ranger District Recreational Opportunity Guide.

At a Glance

Open Season:	Early Spring
Usage:	Medium
Closest Towns:	Cottage Grove, OR
Water:	Surface water should be treated.

General Information

Parking:

Parking is limited to 3-4 vehicles. Please maintain turnaround room for visitors.

General Notes:

While exploring, be careful of slippery rocks and logs.
The trail is located within Layng Creek Watershed, a municipal water supply for the Row River community. Please keep the water clean.
The closest restroom is located at the junction of Forest Road 17 and Forest Road 1790.

Directions:

From Cottage Grove, OR, travel east on Row River Road 2400 for 19 miles to the junction of Layng Creek Road 17 and Brice Creek Road 2470. Turn left on Layng Creek Road 17 and continue for 8.8 miles to Forest Road 1790. Turn right and travel for 0.25 mile to Forest Road 1702. Turn left on Forest Road 1702 and travel for 2.8 miles to Forest Road 1702-728. Turn right on Forest Road 1702-728 and continue for 0.3 mile, turning left on Forest Road 1702-203. The trailhead is at the end of the road. Parking is limited to three or four vehicles. Please maintain turn around room for visitors.

Activities

Day Hiking

One-way trip durations range from 20-30 minutes. Allow yourself at least 1.5 - 2 hours for the hike in and out and enough leisure time to explore the waterfalls and pool below.

Trail grades are gentle, ranging from 5-10%.

A picnic table is provided at the base of the waterfall as well as at the trailhead

Backpacking

One-way trip durations range from 20-30 minutes. Allow yourself at least 1.5 - 2 hours for the hike in and out and enough leisure time to explore the waterfalls and pool below.
Trail grades are gentle, ranging from 5-10%.
A picnic table is provided at the base of the waterfall as well as at the trailhead.