Last updated: October 3, 2023
Thing to Do
Hike Nisqually Vista Trail
M. Holland
This easy hike in the Paradise area offers year-round views of the Nisqually Glacier as well as seasonal highlights, such as wildflowers and fall foliage. The trail is fully paved, 1.2 miles roundtrip and has 200 ft of elevation gain, following a lollipop shape. Find the stairs at the west end of the lower Paradise parking lot to start the trail. It is suitable for families with strollers, but be cautious of the stairs at the start of the trail.
As you start along the trail you will be treated to several views of Mount Rainier as you wind through a forest of evergreen trees and blueberry bushes. In about 0.25 miles you will encounter a fork in the trail. You can choose to go clockwise or counterclockwise from here, with the clockwise direction taking you to the viewpoints quicker. Four separate viewpoints offer different vantages of the Nisqually Valley, highlighting the end (terminus) of the Nisqually Glacier and the beginning of the Nisqually River.
The trail also features meadows that fill with wildflowers mid-summer and views of the Tatoosh mountain range to the south. The trail can even offer beautiful views on cloudy days, showcasing how weather shapes the landscapes, plants, and animals. The valley is typically visible on higher cloud days, but even foggy days can can offer things to see; most notably flowers, mushrooms, and berries! The many blueberry bushes along trail turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange in the early fall and thriving mushrooms can be spotted on wet days.
Like all Paradise trails, Nisqually Vista is snow covered in the winters. It is, however, a marked snowshoe route, so the views can still be enjoyed with some extra equipment and layers.
As you start along the trail you will be treated to several views of Mount Rainier as you wind through a forest of evergreen trees and blueberry bushes. In about 0.25 miles you will encounter a fork in the trail. You can choose to go clockwise or counterclockwise from here, with the clockwise direction taking you to the viewpoints quicker. Four separate viewpoints offer different vantages of the Nisqually Valley, highlighting the end (terminus) of the Nisqually Glacier and the beginning of the Nisqually River.
The trail also features meadows that fill with wildflowers mid-summer and views of the Tatoosh mountain range to the south. The trail can even offer beautiful views on cloudy days, showcasing how weather shapes the landscapes, plants, and animals. The valley is typically visible on higher cloud days, but even foggy days can can offer things to see; most notably flowers, mushrooms, and berries! The many blueberry bushes along trail turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange in the early fall and thriving mushrooms can be spotted on wet days.
Like all Paradise trails, Nisqually Vista is snow covered in the winters. It is, however, a marked snowshoe route, so the views can still be enjoyed with some extra equipment and layers.
Details
Duration
45-60 Minutes
The average roundtrip time for this trail is 45 min, but stopping at viewpoints may add extra time.
Activity
Hiking
Easy (1.2 mi, 200 ft elev), paved day hike.
Age(s)
0 and Older
All ages are welcome, but children should be accompanied by an adult.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Park entrance fee required. No additional fees for activity.
Location
Nisqually Vista Trail
Paradise is located in the southwest corner of the park and is about 18 mi (29 km) northeast of the Nisqually Entrance. The trailhead for Nisqually Vista is located in the west corner of the lower Paradise parking lot.
Reservations
No
No reservations needed
Season
Year Round
Easy day hike in Summer and Fall. Marked snowshoe route in Winter to early Spring.
Time of Day
Any Time
The Nisqually Vista trail can be traveled at any time of day, but use caution and a headlamp for any night hiking.
Accessibility Information
The Nisqually Vista Trail is completely paved with sections of moderate grade making up the 200ft of elevation gain. The trail is stroller friendly except for starting with a short stair section, making it inaccessible to wheelchairs. In winter and early spring, the trail is snow covered and often icy. Restrooms in the upper Paradise area open year-round and 24/7.