Full Moon Adventureland

Located forty minutes from Redding in Northern California, iconic Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to famous Lassen Peak, the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range. The 2.5-mile (one-way) hike to its summit (once the snow has cleared!) is utterly spectacular as a day hike. But for a truly glowing experience, hike to Lassen Peak at night—with the full moon as your guiding light! Standing atop the summit, you’ll feel close enough to touch the Milky Way, and the panorama will knock your boots off.

There’s a saying at Lassen: “Half the park is after dark!” That’s because this under-the-radar national park is one of the last sanctuaries of natural darkness (no light pollution). See celestial wonders on a full-moon peak hike, or any of the incredible nightly stargazing tours. But there’s more. With Redding as your basecamp, you’ll have access to some of the very best ways to adventure under nature’s night-light.

Rent a single or double kayak at Whiskeytown Lake National Recreation Area and explore the tranquil coves under a full moon (do-it-yourself or do one of the tours). Whiskeytown’s location, tucked within mountain ranges, is free of urban light, so instead you see only the night’s natural light: moon, stars, more. Redding to get glowing? Make plans for a full-moon vacation in the national parks surrounding Redding!

TIP: Runners should check out the Moonshine Trail Races and Moonlight Madness run.

Find and book your accommodations in Redding, a great basecamp for branching out to multiple full-moon adventures.