Glacier Vista Loop via Skyline Trail is a 2.6 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Mount Rainier National Park, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from July until October.
birding
hiking
nature trips
walking
views
wild flowers
no dogs
From the Nisqually entranceon Highway 706, 18 miles on Longmire-Paradise Road to the main Paradise Parking area. The trail starts to the west of the Paradise Ranger Station.
Cynthia C.
Was looking to hike Morain trail, but we ended up a much prettier hike. We took off from Visitor center, followed skyline and hooked up with Dead Horse Creek and straight up to Glacier Vista and return on Skyline down. We got as close as the Glacier meeting the tree line. The entire trip has great view of Mt Rainer. The first mile is rather steep, but ease up after that. We took lots of break. Could have done this in 1.5 hour or less.
Hiked this trail about two weeks ago. Unfortunately the trail was covered in fog so I can’t comment on the view. The initial climb is in good condition but large patches of snow blocked decent parts of the trail after that. Climbing up through the snow can be tiring, though it’s not terribly hard.
AMAZING views! Tough walk for the kids. We had so much fun! Still a good amount of snow on the trail despite Temps in the 90s. Got only 4 stars only because it was insanely crowded. Walked in crowds almost the whole way.
The Dead Horse Creek portion of this loop is still covered in a ton of snow. Be careful! The views are amazing and there is definitely wildlife around. Found a couple of paw prints in the snow from a mountain lion.
it was so amazing, the weather couldn't have been better, it was in the snow, got to go backpacking, so great
Hiked on 7/30 in the AM. Fairly easy and enjoyable hike with spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding ranges (included distant views of Mount Hood and Mount St Helens). The loop trail starts (and ends) paved and transitions to hard-pack dirt about halfway through the hike. Towards the Glacier Vista Lookout there's still a bit of snow (including a small ~50 foot patch you'll have to hike over). There's about 1000 foot of elevation gain - and the climbing starts right away, so be ready for a bit of uphill! The hike can absolutely be done in good hiking/trail shoes.
Overall, I'd argue that this hike gives you the most "bang-for-your-buck" (for an easier hike) at Paradise - lots of wildflowers, spectacular views of Mount Rainier and surrounding ranges, views of waterfalls, and a close up look at the glacier. If you're an inexperienced hiker or short on time, I'd recommend this hike!