Are there fees or permits required for Moonfalls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Moonfalls.

Is swimming allowed at Moonfalls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Moonfalls.

Nearby gauge (Middle Fork Willamette River) · 768 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Moonfalls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Moonfalls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Moonfalls.

Oregon • 50 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

Umpqua National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (1)

Bonnie from United States CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Moonfalls

Moonfalls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon. It is surrounded by lush greenery and is part of the Layng Creek Watershed. The waterfall cascades over a basalt cliff, creating a serene and scenic spot for visitors.

The Setting

Moonfalls sits at 3,028 feet within Umpqua National Forest, in the mountains of Oregon. The falls drop 50 feet.

Height: 50 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Pinard Falls (105 ft) lies 1.8 miles to the south. Also nearby: Upper Trestle Creek Falls (60 ft, 6.2 mi) and Spirit Falls (40 ft, 1.6 mi).

Pinard Falls Upper Trestle Creek Falls Spirit Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.5 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Moonfalls (#1423), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 50 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

MOONFALLS #1423

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.38 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Moonfalls is short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a forested area with minimal elevation gain, leading directly to the base of the waterfall. The path is well-maintained but may be muddy after rain.

What to Expect

The falls drop 50 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Moonfalls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Moonfalls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Umpqua National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 50°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Watch for fallen trees or debris on the trail, especially after storms.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 38 minutes ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Fork Willamette River, 5.2 miles away, not on Moonfalls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

768 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

874 1.2k 3.0k 4.1k

Based on 104 years of record

2.04 ft

Water depth at gauge

50°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

MF WILLAMETTE RIVER BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR.

USGS 14148000

5.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 924 sq mi

Altitude: 935 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF WILLAMETTE RIVER BLW N FORK, NR OAKRIDGE, OR. (8 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

768 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

768 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

879 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

962 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

1027 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

1138 cfs

6/10

Tue

Moderate

1179 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

1189 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to late May, peaking in January.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Westfir hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Moonfalls Frozen?

Updated about 6 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing

Moonfalls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 65°F to 50°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 768 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Moonfalls can be accessed via Forest Service roads in the Umpqua National Forest. From Cottage Grove, take Row River Road east, then follow signs for Layng Creek and Forest Road 1790. The trailhead is located near the end of the road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area available at the trailhead, but space may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

3,028 feet above sea level

Coordinates

43.735679° N, -122.611180° W

Land Management

Umpqua National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Middle Fork Ranger District (Hwy 58)

4.2 miles away · 0 sites

Middle Fork Ranger District (US Highway 58)Middle Fork Ranger District is the southern part of the forest, bordering the Deschutes and Umpqua National Forests. Accessible from the west on Highway 58 from Eugene, OR, or from the south via Highway 58.Spend some time exploring Waldo Lake, one of the gems of the forest, but don’t forget to get out on some of the great mountain biking, hiking, and horse trails in this area.HikingBackpacking and day hikes can be found all over the district including, F

Book on Recreation.gov