Luna Island lies between the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls and was named in the 19th century for the moonlit rainbows visible there when the moon was full or nearly full. Formed by mist from the falls, these lunar bows are rarely seen today because of reduced water flow and artificial lights. The island was once covered with white cedar trees that withstood severe winters, and in summer they held the nests of bald eagles and cedar waxwings, but over the years the trees disappeared through natural erosion and human activity. The Luna Island/Bridal Veil Falls Viewing Area was closed in 1954-55 for removal of a rock overhang and again in 1970-72 to stabilize the area. During that work, Bridal Veil Falls was dewatered, holes were drilled in the island's rock base to relieve water pressure, and giant rock bolts, rock dowels, and cable tendons were installed to prevent rockfalls. Today the island offers the closest and most dramatic place from which visitors can safely view the American Falls.