Moonlight Snowshoe Tour in Bend: Starlit Forest Walk

Snowshoe through a winter forest while a guide reads the constellations above

A four-hour snowshoe tour in the Deschutes National Forest near Bend, Oregon, where you walk through old-growth hemlock and fir under the night sky with a naturalist guide who interprets animal tracks and constellations. The tour includes snowshoes, a headlamp, hot cocoa during a rest stop, and instruction in snowshoeing technique for those new to it.

The experience

Four hours on snowshoes takes you into the Deschutes National Forest west of Bend, where the Cascade mountains collect 400–600 inches of snow each winter. You'll travel off-trail through old-growth mountain hemlock and sub-alpine fir, breaking through powder with a guide who points out the tracks of foxes and pine martens pressed into the snow, then looks up to name the constellations wheeling overhead. The guide handles the route-finding and trail-breaking. If you're new to snowshoeing, they'll teach you the technique as you go.

Partway through, you stop to rest and drink hot cocoa while sitting in the snow under the stars. The tour operates in the areas around Mt. Bachelor, where the elevation runs above 6,000 feet, so there's some climbing and descent built into the route. You'll wear a headlamp to move safely in darkness, and the guide's naturalist training means the night sky and the animal signs you pass become part of a larger story about how Central Oregon's wildlife survives the deep winter.

What’s included

• Snowshoes and headlamp.
• hot cocoa during a rest break.
• award-winning naturalist guide with instruction in snowshoeing technique and interpretation of constellations and animal tracks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 19:00 and 19:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Wanderlust Tours

Is this one for you?This tour suits anyone comfortable with four hours of walking at elevation in cold darkness, drawn to the night sky and winter wildlife. The guide's instruction means you don't need prior snowshoeing experience, and the route is suitable for most fitness levels, but contact the operator if you have concerns about the elevation or the physical demands.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What should I wear for a nighttime snowshoe tour in the Deschutes National Forest?

Winter boots, snow pants and layers that keep you warm and dry. The tour provides snowshoes and a headlamp. If you don't own waterproof snow boots or snow pants, rentals are available for $10 per item.

Will I learn how to snowshoe if I've never done it before?

Yes. All tours include instruction, and your guide will teach you snowshoeing techniques and tricks as you travel, so beginners are welcome and supported throughout the four hours.

What kind of animal tracks might I see on this tour?

The guide will point out tracks left by foxes, pine martens and other native wildlife adapted to deep snow. What you spot depends on recent animal movement through the forest, so sightings vary.

Is this tour strenuous, and what elevation are we at?

The tour takes place at 6,000 feet and higher, with some elevation gain and loss, so it's moderately demanding. It's suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with serious knee, leg or cardiac conditions. Contact the operator directly if you have questions about whether the difficulty fits your situation.