Moon Mountain City Park

Natural Beauty Awaits

Found in Eugene's Ridgeline Park system, Moon Mountain City Park is a serene location of undeveloped wilderness spanning 40.3 acres. Positioned between Coryell Ridge Park and Henderson Avenue, this natural retreat offers a genuine escape from the city bustle.

The landscape here is wonderfully diverse, with colorful upland prairies dotted with seasonal wildflowers, peaceful oak woodlands that provide dappled shade, and towering conifer forests. From various points in the park, you can take in impressive views of the Willamette River forks converging, the distinctive profile of Mount Pisgah, the rolling contours of Coryell Ridge, the tranquil Laurel Hill Valley, and the iconic Spencer Butte in the distance.

Hit the Trails

The main hiking path follows what was once a simple logging road. Fair warning: while it does get mowed occasionally, don't be surprised if you encounter some stretches where nature is reclaiming its territory.

If you're up for a moderate challenge, the main trail covers about 5.3 miles with a respectable 977 feet of elevation gain. Some adventurous souls bring their mountain bikes here too, but you'll need to be comfortable with somewhat rugged terrain.

Finding Your Way

Being an undeveloped natural area, Moon Mountain doesn't have the formal amenities of more established parks. There aren't designated parking areas or developed trail systems yet. To find the main entry point, head to Spring Boulevard just before Ribbon Trail and make an immediate right turn.

This piece of land was acquired by Eugene as part of a bigger vision - creating a continuous corridor of trails and natural habitats throughout the Ridgeline system, connecting Fern Ridge Reservoir in the west all the way to Mount Pisgah in the east.

Nature's Recent Changes

In July 2023, a wildfire swept through the park, affecting 34.4 acres primarily in the prairie sections. While many trails remain accessible, be aware that some areas show significant evidence of the fire's impact.

Before You Go

Since Moon Mountain is still wild at heart, you should prepare accordingly. Watch out for natural elements like ticks, abundant poison oak (seriously, it's everywhere), blackberry brambles, and uneven walking surfaces. Sturdy shoes and long pants are definitely your friends here.

Note that when you reach the summit viewpoint, trees and brush might partially block what would otherwise be panoramic vistas. Remember to respect park boundaries, heed any posted signs, and tread lightly on this beautiful natural space.