Skyline Trail Loop
Fall colors are fading, but still beautiful
7 this month · 133 reports
Mount Rainier Area
The Nisqually Vista Loop is in excellent condition, with reports from August 1 through October 7 indicating it is snow-free and suitable for all vehicles. The trail is fully paved, making it a good option for families and strollers, though some steeper sections might be challenging for those with wheeled devices. Wildflowers were noted in late August, but by mid-September, fall colors were minimal. Despite potential crowds at Paradise, this loop often offers a quieter experience, especially in the late afternoon and evening, with some hikers finding almost no one on the trail after 5 PM. Gray jays can be bold and may approach visitors.
Generated from 24 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 month ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 1 month, so everything below is at least that old.
Parking at the Paradise area can be very busy, especially on sunny days. While some hikers have found ample parking in the lower lot even on Friday evenings around 5:45 PM, others note that the lots can be fully packed and cars circling as late as Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Finding parking after 5 PM on weekdays has been successful for some.
The trail is fully paved and generally considered stroller and ADA accessible, with a ramp available from the upper parking lot for wheelchair access. However, some sections are steeper than expected, which could make it more challenging with a stroller or for those with mobility concerns.
The fall colors on the Nisqually Vista Loop are not very prominent. One report from September 18 specifically notes that there aren't many fall colors and recommends other trails if that is a priority.
Fall colors are fading, but still beautiful
7 this month · 133 reports
Fall color arriving on open slopes
3 this month · 35 reports
Fall color arriving
2 this month · 48 reports
A nearly dry waterfall, with intermittent snow
2 this month · 35 reports
Fall colors are peaking on the trail
2 this month · 16 reports
Fall color arriving at the falls
1 this month · 47 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
We didn't even attempt Paradise until after 5pm. Despite it being a weekday, it was still fully parked up and cars circling through the afternoon (per the rangers). While we had no trouble finding par...
This trail was part of my “how-many-easy hikes-can-I-do-in-a-single-day-around- Mt. Rainier-area”. Super EZ paved trail.I got here around 5:45pm and there was ample parking in the lower parking lot, o...
I hiked the Nisqually Trail at the end of August with my two boys, ages 2 and 5. I brought a stroller for the younger one, but in hindsight, I probably could have done without it. There are quite a fe...
This trail is located in the Paradise area of Mt Rainier NP. An easy trail to do, fully paved and only 200 ft in elevation gain. This trail is great for kids, and also stroller friendly. This is also ...
A great family loop (3 generations) to the glacier viewpoint!
Busy Monday at MRNP, but we lucked out and got a parking spot in the lower lot at Paradise. My 3 year old loved the hike and my husband and I appreciated the paved trail so we didn’t have to worry abo...
A lovely stroll on a less crowded trail. Smoke has cleared and nice views.
Hiked from Jackson Visitor Center onto the Avalanche Lily Trail. The connected to the Deadhorse Trail and went down it to go hike the Nisqually Vista Loop. Then returned back the visitor center. Easy ...
trail starts with steep climb up snow covered path, and most of path is snow covered. spikes would help but we were able to do it with regular hiking shoes without too much issue