Nisqually Vista Trail

Nisqually Vista Trail Mt Rainier National Park

Nisqually Vista Trail is a 1.2 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Paradise Inn, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from June until October.

The trail-head is located at the northwest end of the lower parking lot. Suitable for families with strollers.

·         Area: Paradise

·         Hike Type: Family-friendly    

·         Parking Pass / Entry Fee: Natl. Park Pass

·         Distance: 1.2 mi Loop   

·         Duration: 45 Minutes  

·         Difficulty Level: Easy

·         Elevation Gain: 200

·         Snow-Free Time: Mid-July – Mid-Sept        

Hike Description: Nisqually Vista Trail has an old paved path that winds through lush meadows and stands of Pacific silver fir, subalpine fir, and mountain hemlock to eventually reach several overlooks with panoramic views of the quickly retreating Nisqually Glacier and Mount Rainier itself.

·         Panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier,

·         Nisqually Glacier and River.

·         Views of the Nisqually Glacier.

·         Easy hike suitable for all visitors.

Go left at the junction to Nisqually Vista. The trail climbs briefly then descends to another signed junction. You have a choice here; either direction takes you in a loop. If you wish to save the best viewpoint for last, go straight and walk the gently descending path counterclockwise, passing a few viewpoints along the way.

At the farthest point (just over 0.5 mile) is the best and final viewpoint, with an interpretive sign describing the Nisqually Glacier. The glacier has receded greatly over the years, leaving what looks like an elongated gravel-covered mound, far smaller than it used to be. The bottom, or snout, of the glacier has a nearly vertical face, where melt-water from above washes over and erodes it

How To Reach: Enter the west (Nisqually) entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, 13.5 miles east of Elbe on State Route 706. Drive 17 miles to the lower parking lot at Paradise. Park here. 300 yards further is the Visitor Center and upper parking lot.