Moonlight and Starlight Snowshoe Tour at Mt. Bachelor — Night Snowshoeing Near Bend, Oregon
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to walk on uneven snow for several hours and manage short elevation changes at 6,000+ ft.
Overview
Walk beneath a sky saturated with stars on this guided night snowshoe through old-growth forest near Mt. Bachelor. Naturalist guides teach snowshoe technique, point out animal tracks, and pause for hot cocoa under the moon.
Moonlight and Starlight Snowshoe Tour at Mt. Bachelor — Night Snowshoeing Near Bend, Oregon
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A hush falls over the forest the moment the shuttle doors close. Headlamps blink off and the world contracts to a cone of moonlit powder and the hushed respiration of old-growth mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Your guide leads with measured steps, snowshoes whispering across the deep blanket as constellations wheel overhead and the peaks around Mt. Bachelor hold the sky like a dark amphitheater. The trail—what there is of it—threads through shadow and open meadow, and at a brief pause your breath fogs in the lantern glow while hot cocoa steams in a thermos.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for night temps
Temperatures can plunge after sunset—use a warm midlayer and insulated jacket you can vent during exertion.
Red-light headlamp
Bring a headlamp with a red-light setting to read the guide’s cues and preserve night vision for stargazing.
Water and snacks
Cold weather masks thirst—carry an insulated bottle and a high-energy snack to maintain core temperature.
Respect wildlife
Keep noise low and avoid flash photography if animals are nearby; many species are conserving energy in deep snow.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red fox
- Pine marten
History
The high Cascade corridor has long been travel and wintering ground for local Native tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, whose stories inform regional place names and celestial lore.
Conservation
Winter recreation can stress wildlife—stay on designated routes when posted, keep group sizes reasonable, and follow Leave No Trace to reduce impact on wintering animals.
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Adventure Hotspots in Bend, OR
Recommended Gear
Insulated winter boots
Waterproof, insulated boots keep feet warm and dry while wearing snowshoes.
winter specific
Waterproof snow/ski pants
Protects legs from wet powder during off-trail travel and sitting breaks.
winter specific
Headlamp with red-light mode
Hands-free illumination for trail work and red mode to preserve night vision for stargazing.
winter specific
Layered midweight insulation (fleece/down)
A breathable midlayer lets you regulate warmth during steady uphill and cold stops.
winter specific