Thurston · Mount Rainier National Park

Full Moon Hikes at Mount Rainier

Trail options and safety tips when hiking under a full moon at Longmire, Paradise, and Box Canyon at Mount Rainier National Park.

Time needed

30-180 Minutes

Season

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Fees

Park entrance fee required. No fees for activity.

Accessibility

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.

stargazing

Part of Mount Rainier National Park. Conditions change. Check with the managing agency before you travel. Official page.