Hike to Spirit, Moon, and Pinard Falls

Dorena, Oregon

4.2/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

2.8 miles

Elevation Gain

630 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Bob Hollywood

Three small beautiful Oregon waterfalls nestled in an old growth forest, all within 5 miles of each other.

Spirit Falls is the first stop on this adventure. From the parking pull-out walk a short distance of 0.4 miles to the 40 foot fan falls. Don't let the small size deter you, this is a pretty little falls, with a lovely stroll through an old growth forest and beautiful little trilliums. There is a picnic table near the base of the falls and nice little creek. This trail gets super muddy from the rain. When you're ready, head back to the car.

From here drive 0.1 mile, turn left on road 1702 and drive 2.7 miles. Follow the signs to Moon Falls. The trail starts as an old gravel road. Travel 0.5 miles to the base of this 80 foot fan falls. The pictures I've posted do not do this falls justice. It was raining so hard all I could use was my cell. It really is a beauty! This falls also has a picnic table surrounded by huge cedar trees. When you're finished here take the trail back. The third falls is Pinard Falls. You'll need to drive back down to the fork in the road and veer right this time. Trail directions are posted clearly.

The path to Pinard Falls is 0.5 miles that starts easy on a gravel road but descends down a steep path. Use caution! I did not make it to this 60 ft horsetail falls due to a very muddy road and torrential downpour. If it's springtime and raining I would recommend all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive. Enjoy your day in the forest! As a side note; If you are feeling adventurous, like a forest drive, and want to see a huge waterfall, on the return route follow the signs to Highway 58. Follow this gravel road for 10 miles. At highway 58 turn right. Follow the road until you see signs to Salt Creek Falls (Oregon's 2nd highest). It's only an extra hour drive and so worth it!

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Features

Photography
Chillin
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Picnic Area
Scenic
Waterfalls

Hike to Spirit, Moon, and Pinard Falls Reviews

Terrible directions - I never found the falls and wasted my whole afternoon. Disappointing. If I could have utilized the GPS coordinates, I would have. Do that!

We hiked all 3 and each one was relatively easy. No rain recently, but I could see after rainy weather the trail to Pinard could get more dangerous as it is pretty steep the last .10 mile. The road to get to the hikes are narrow, so be prepared to pull over quickly if you see another car approaching. I was surprised how not busy these trails were for a Saturday afternoon. We were the only ones when we hiked to Pinard and back! Definitely nice hikes and easy to do all 3 in a short amount of time!

We hiked spirit and moon falls. Both worth it and Moon Falls has been my favorite of all the waterfalls I've adventured to so far. Magical.

Had a great time seeing these. The hikes are quick. Falls are amazing. Very enjoyable.

Easily do all 3 hikes in one day. Each hike is short and easy, definitely some of the best falls near Eugene.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Mount June Trail

Trestle Creek Falls Loop

Summit Diamond Peak

Salt Creek Falls

Diamond Creek Falls

Ski or Snowshoe to Fuji Shelter