About
Length1.2 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain200 ft up
Typical time53 min
TrailheadParadise, lower parking area
SurfacePaved, largely accessible
Best seasonEasy day hike in Summer and Fall. Marked snowshoe route in Winter to early Spring.
DogsNot allowed
AccessibilityThe 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.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🌼 Wildflowers

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.

Tips
Largely accessible and about 45 minutes. The best big view at Paradise for the least effort, and the wildflowers are the same as on the Skyline Trail.
Location

Paradise, lower parking area

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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Trail data: USGS National Map / PAD-US, the National Park Service, state agencies, and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Access and conditions change — check with the managing agency before you go.