So, where to begin, Mossbrae Falls is amazing! As a new user on the site, this was one of the many new adventures i saved, to go find on my weekend adventures. These falls offer something I have not yet found at any other falls. The short (2 mile round-trip) hike is so worth it. Right off the bat, after you park at the main road, you walk through a cool little private community of cabin style houses on the river, before finding your way to the train tracks. These are most likely vacation homes, but still neat to see. The hike to the falls itself, following the tracks, offer so many options for exploration, and photography. It seemed like about every 100 feet, there was a small, off trail, path to the river, to explore. Each one with small rapids, swimming holes, picnic areas to relax, the list goes on. I highly recommend hiking boots, I ignorantly chose not to bother, and regretted it about halfway, as the rock along the tracks is a large grade like usual (just my luck), but I had to learn the hard way. Upon arriving at the bridge above the falls, i realized that not only was i going to see some sweet falls, but the bridge itself is very photogenic. Lots of random drawings/graffiti/murals, were all over it. I am not promoting vandalism, but it did give it a cool urban look if your into that. The falls are really what caught me off guard though. These falls cannot be truly understood from the photographs. Don't get me wrong, the uploaded pictures are great, but these falls are so much taller, and wider in person. When looking at them, they fall about 30-40ft, and they wrap all the way around the corner of the river, offering unique panoramic views. The way they fall right through the trees at the top is so unique. When i return, I would love to explore the top and see what it looks like. The drive is easy highway miles, the hike is family friendly, and not really any climbing/descending is involved, just some amazing views to clear your mind. After growing up at the northern Oregon coast in Newport, it was almost nostalgic to see these falls. The interlaced moss, ferns, and green scenery took me straight back to the river areas back home where everything is very green, and wet all the time from the rain.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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