How to lift the fallen tree at the waterfall in Moonlight Peaks: Moonlit Pines location, Arborascend spell unlock, mana cost, and quest objective walkthrough.

How to Lift the Tree at the Waterfall in Moonlight Peaks
Quick Answer:
- The #1 Trap: The fallen tree is NOT in the Howling Marshes, despite the quest introducing mermaids and Luna Bay. It is located in Moonlit Pines, directly west of the stairs leading to Luna's cottage, blocking the small rocky waterfall.
- Tool / Spell Required: Regular Axes and upgraded Copper/Iron Axes do 0 damage to this log. You must cast the Arborascend spell.
- Spell Source: Learned during the quest chain from Sabrina at Webb of Wonders after consulting the Town Witches.
- Mana Cost: Requires 2 Mana to cast. Rest in your coffin or drink a Mana potion if your reserves are empty.
Quest Context: "The Mysterious Bay"
During the main story quest The Mysterious Bay (triggered by Samael after delivering his letter to Kim in Luna Bay), your journal updates with the task:
"Lift the tree near the waterfall."
Because Luna Bay connects physically to the northern coastline near the Howling Marshes, many players waste days scouring the marshlands and swamp pools looking for a fallen trunk. The actual target log is an environmental gate in Moonlit Pines.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Step 1: Learn the Arborascend Spell
- Progress the story until Samael tasks you with opening a permanent connection to Luna Bay.
- Speak to the town witches (Sabrina and Luna) at Webb of Wonders.
- Obtain the Arborascend spell glyph in your spellbook.
- If you have not unlocked spellcasting yet, complete the early witch trials in Moonlit Pines first.
Step 2: Navigate to the Moonlit Pines Waterfall
- Exit your farm through the eastern exit towards Town Plaza.
- Head north past Town Hall into the forest trails of Moonlit Pines.
- Continue north past Luna's Seed Stall until you reach the wooden stairs leading up to Luna's cottage.
- Look immediately to the left (west) of the stairs against the rock face: you will see a small cascading waterfall completely blocked by a massive mossy redwood trunk.
Step 3: Cast Arborascend on the Log
- Equip your Wand from your tool belt.
- Hold the cast button to open your active spell wheel.
- Select Arborascend.
- Aim your cursor directly at the center of the fallen tree until the interaction outline glows.
- Release the cast button (consumes 2 Mana).
- A cutscene triggers showing the ancient log rising into the air and clearing the waterway permanently.
Common Blockers & Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Axe does no damage | Intended mechanic | Conventional axes cannot break quest obstacles; you must use Arborascend. |
| Cannot cast Arborascend | Depleted Mana pool | Check your blue mana orbs. Sleep in your coffin until next sundown, or brew a mana restorative potion. See our Mana Management Guide. |
| No prompt appears at the log | Spell not selected | Make sure Arborascend is equipped in your active wand slot rather than a farming spell like Refilliarmus. |
| Cannot find the tree | Looking in the wrong region | The tree is in Moonlit Pines near Luna's shop, not in Howling Marshes or Misty Shores. |
What Unlocks After Lifting the Tree?
Clearing the waterfall opens a direct walking shortcut between Moonlit Pines and the secluded coastal waters of Luna Bay. This allows you to:
- Visit Tae and the merfolk without shapeshifting through the narrow swamp cat passage.
- Advance Kim's questline towards unlocking Aqua Form (Mermaid Form). For the complete mermaid unlock route, follow our Luna Bay & Aqua Form Guide.
- Gather exclusive coastal forageables, shells, and deep-water fish.
Related Guides & Quests
- How to Unlock Luna Bay & Aqua Form — Complete quest breakdown from Cat Form to Mermaid Tail.
- Best Spells in Moonlight Peaks — Spell ranking, unlock locations, and utility runes.
- Mana Management & Regeneration Guide — How to recharge magic, avoid exhaustion, and craft mana potions.
- Dark Wood & Hardwood Planks Guide — How to gather Dark Wood from Weeping Willows in Howling Marshes.
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