Hiking TrailsPinard Waterfall in the
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Pinard is deeper in the forest than the other two waterfalls: Moon and Spirit.Although Brad and I had hiked in the watershed of Row River, and therefore Layng Creek, on several occasions we had never hiked to Pinard Waterfall. Then one June day we were driving on the Silver Stair, making our way down to Hwy 58, and we saw a directional sign for Pinard Waterfalls. This sign had not been there when we'd made this drive before. It was a wet June, so the forest was misty and damp. Much like my memories of girl scout camp at Silver Falls when I was growing up. We'd followed the sign with another vehicle, and these people arrived at the same time we did. They chose not to stay. We did. That portion of the trail that was once a spur road was flooded and the rest of the trail was slippery and muddy. I was suffering from Planters Fasciitis, but we wanted to see this waterfall. So we did. Believe me, the waterfall and stands of old growth Doug Fir made it all worthwhile. If you want to check it out, here are the Directions. Travel Directions to Pinard Waterfall in the Umpqua National Forest:Take exit 174 for Cottage Grove from I - 5. If you're heading south, this is the second exit for Cottage Grove. The exit will just turn into the road you need. Follow it east for 19.4 miles until you see the "Y" marking Layng Creek and Brice Creek Roads. Turn left on Layng Creek Road (#17). Travel 8.8 miles until the pavement ends. This road will veer to the left, instead turn right onto #1790. Drive 3.6 miles to the trailhead on your right. There is a vault toilet up here if I remember correctly, but I believe so. The Umpqua Forest service rates this trail more difficult. That's because of the uphill climb on your way out of the gorge. The grade changes from 10% to 25% during the hike. It could also be rated more difficult because the trail is very muddy and slippery, and your leg doesn't know quite what to do because you have planters fasciitis in your foot, so you're afraid you'll slide right off the edge too (lol). Initially, along that part of the trail that is the old road spur and a little beyond, the trail goes through second growth Doug Fir, but as the trail switches back around the rock point that gives you your first views of the 105' waterfall, you'll be walking in a shaded stand of Old Growth Doug Fir. From there, the trail continues down slope to the trail's end, offering a lovely viewpoint and a resting bench for those who want to sit when viewing the waterfall, a mere 300' away. Don't neglect the pool and surrounding lush vegetation. This hiking trail is for hikers only. The duration of the hike on the way down is about 30 minutes, as rated by the Forest Service. It is recommended you allow more time for the return trip. Taking the "Silver Stairs" out of the Umpqua National Forest and into the Willamette National Forest:If you like to explore, don't turn towards Cottage Grove when you've made your hikes and are ready to leave the area, turn in the opposite direction and follow the signs to Hwy 58, the Willamette Pass. This route is clearly marked. Nevertheless, I called the Cottage Grove Ranger Station of the Umpqua National Forest (541-767-5000) to confirm the "names" of the roads on the route. Not surprisingly, the representative knows the forest better than I do. She said that from Moon Falls you can get right onto 1714, which is the road you need. Getting onto 1714 isn’t clear to me, since we always just follow the signs. If you see 1714 when leaving the area of Moon Falls, perhaps you might just want to get on it and make your way. Based upon what she said, Brad and I have always gotten onto 1790, and as I said it's clearly marked. We’ve gone this way after hiking to all the waterfalls in the Layng Watershed: Moon, Spirit and Pinard waterfalls. This route on 1790 is called "The Silver Stairs" locally - pretty name for a pretty place. According to what ranger said, 1790 will turn into 1714. To clarify any doubts you might have, Brad and I have never known the numbers of the route. A man who'd lived in the area for decades told us about it the first time we hiked at Brice Creek. We've taken it every time it's been late enough in the year to do so. The road is impassable until snowmelt, so don’t attempt it too early. It's a well maintained gravel road that turns into a paved road in the Willamette National Forest. The road is named when you come out on the Willamette Pass, Patterson Road. As I said, the way from the Umpqua National Forest into the Willamette National Forest and Hwy 58 is clearly marked with signs that say, Hwy 58 and perhaps Oakridge. The last time I'd been to McCready Hot Springs, people had ridden their bikes from Brice Creek to Hwy 58, and from there to McCready. They were cooking eggs where the water comes out from underground - Interesting people. :-) | |||
Forward ~ My idea of a nice vacation on Back ~ Lacy Moon Falls. USFS: Umpqua National Forest. Plan your visit to the many waterfalls and hiking trails in the Umpqua National Forest. Want to learn more about the campgrounds on the North Umpqua River and others in the Umpqua River watershed? The photograph to the left is of the Umpqua River above Toketee Waterfalls. | |||
Campgrounds in the Row River WatershedBrice Creek: Cedar Creek Campground, Lund Campground and Hobo Campground. Sharps Creek: Mineral Camp Campground. Sharps Creek Recreation Area, not associated with the Umpqua National Forest, can be found on Sharps Creek also. It has a great swimming hole. Layng Creek: Rujada Campground. For more information on camping in the Row River watershed ...
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Travel on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway to Gathering Light ... a retreat: Travel Directions Map & Scenery: Columnar basalt at Toketee Waterfalls, tumultuous Watson Falls ... the wild & scenic Umpqua River. At the north entrance, enjoy Crater Lake National Park too. Directions to & Day Trips of about 100 miles from the retreat. Little known Scenic Places to explore: hiking trails, wetlands, national wildlife refuges, mountains, wilderness areas, river gorges & more near Crater Lake National Park & the retreat: Directions, Map & Scenery. | |||
Wood River Wetlands, not far from the retreat, depicted above. | |||
Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat. | |||