Last updated: July 30, 2025
Thing to Do
Full Moon Hikes at Mount Rainier
NPS/J. Green Photo
Hiking under a full moon offers unique opportunities for visitors to connect with the park under a new light (literally and figuratively). Hike a short trail in Paradise and bask in the radiance of Mount Rainier under a full moon or take a stroll through the old growth forests in Longmire where moonlight dances through the trees.
Even though there is extra light under a full moon, it is still important to take precautions to ensure you and your party’s safety. It is best to keep trails short and sweet. While you may take your time on the hike, staying close to your vehicle is important in case of an emergency.
Even if the trail is short, be sure to hike in groups and remember that many large animals, like bears, are active at night. Use a head lamp to illuminate your path. A headlamp with a red light can help protect your vision as it adjusts to the night. Use white lights only when necessary. It is also important to bring other hiking gear (such as the 10 Essentials) and plenty of water.
Trails in Paradise can remain snow covered well into the summer. When they are covered in snow, the risk of slipping and falling or becoming lost increases. Take snow into consideration when planning your hike. Even if your desired trail remains snow covered, there are a number of different options that offer experiences under the moonlight.
Children must always be monitored, especially when recreating at night. Pets are not allowed on any trail in the park. Please stay on trail to avoid trampling the delicate vegetation.
Seasonal Access
- Longmire is open year-round, but trails can be snow covered in the winter.
- Overnight access to Paradise is limited to back country campers in the winter. Those back country camping in the winter can enjoy the full moon from their campsites throughout the park. Paradise opens overnight from spring to fall.
- Stevens Canyon Road is only accessible in the summer.
Trail of Shadows at Longmire
Only 0.7 of a mile in length, this short and mostly flat trail is a good option for those looking to hike over little elevation gain. The Trail of Shadows is in Longmire, across Paradise Road from the Longmire Museum. The east end of the trail has less tree coverage and quickly offers a spur trail into a meadow, where visitors can find a view of Mount Rainier. Tree cover picks up on the western portion of the trail, and it can become more difficult to navigate by moonlight alone. While hiking, listen to the sounds around you. What do you hear?
The nearest restrooms are located between the Longmire Museum and the Transportation Exhibit.
Nisqually Vista at Paradise
Guiding you through the subalpine zone, the paved Nisqually Vista Trail provides visitors with a close look at Mount Rainier. Starting from the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center Plaza, take Avalanche Lily Trail to Nisqually Vista Trail. Using this route will take you on a 2 mile round-trip hike.
When you make it to the viewpoints, take a moment to appreciate the view in the moonlight. Then, scan the mountain to see if you can find lights at Camp Muir, or climbers on their way up the mountain.
Nisqually Vista Trail is covered in snow well into the summer season, often not melting out completely until mid to late June. It is important to take snow conditions into consideration when picking a trail for a full moon walk. Snow can introduce hazardous slipping conditions, and at night it can be easy to become disoriented and lost. If there is too much snow on this trail during your visit, consider picking a different trail lower in elevation.
The nearest restrooms are located on the east end of the Jackson Visitor Center Plaza and are open 24 hours.
The Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls at Paradise
The paved trail to Myrtle Falls brings you up the eastern section of the Skyline Trail. Myrtle Falls is a waterfall with a viewpoint that offers a great view of Mount Rainier. Sit and appreciate both the mountain and the falls under the brilliance of the full moon. This 1-mile trail is paved the whole way, but can be steep in some sections. Stairs must be used to reach the Myrtle Falls viewpoint.
Myrtle Falls can remain snow covered well into the summer season, often still under snow until mid- to late June. The path, and the stairs down to the viewpoint especially, can be hazardous when covered in snow. It is easy to slip and fall when walking over snow, and there is a steep drop off to the side of the trail for much of its length. If there is too much snow at the time of your visit, consider a different trail lower in elevation.
The nearest restrooms are located by the Jackson Visitor Center, on the east end of the plaza.
Box Canyon on Stevens Canyon Road
Box Canyon is a 25-minute drive down Stevens Canyon Road headed east from Paradise. Parking spaces are available in a small lot near the wayside exhibits, while the trail picks up across the street and meanders north toward Mount Rainier.
The trail is 0.3 miles long. The eastern half of the trail is paved. After crossing the wooden bridge over the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River, the path transitions to dirt and becomes broken up by steps and tree roots. The western half of the trail also has more tree coverage and can be more difficult to navigate by moonlight alone. While you hike, listen to the river rushing below and the sound of the forest around you.
The nearest restrooms are located in the Box Canyon parking lot.
Details
Duration
30-180 Minutes
The trails recommended here vary in length and could take visitors anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours to complete.
Activity
Stargazing
Age(s)
This activity is suitable for all ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian at night.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on trails.
Activity Fee
Yes
Park entrance fee required. No fees for activity.
Location
Trails at Longmire, Paradise, and Box Canyon.
This Things to Do covers trails in the Longmire and Paradise areas. The trails included are Trail of Shadows, Myrtle Falls, Nisqually Vista, and Box Canyon.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Night access to Paradise is restricted during the winter, and open from spring to fall. Stevens Canyon also has limited access in winter, and is only open during the summer. Longmire is accessible all year, but can still be snowy in the winter.
Time of Day
Night
Accessibility Information
The Trail of Shadows (roughly 0.3 miles) is mostly flat on the eastern half of the trail. The trail can be broken up by roots and steps. The Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls (roughly 1 mile) is paved the whole way but can be steep in some sections of the trail. A staircase must be used to access the Myrtle Falls viewpoint. The Avalanche Lily Trail and Nisqually Vista Trail (roughly 2 miles) are paved but can be steep in some sections. The western half of the Box Canyon Trail ( roughly 0.3 miles) is paved. After crossing the wooden bridge over the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz, the trail transitions to dirt and becomes broken up by steps and tree roots. There are bathrooms in Longmire, Paradise, and Box Canyon available for 24-hour use.