Nisqually Glacier Vista [Suggest Edits]

Description

This Gem provides a great view of the Nisqually Glacier.

Park in the Paradise parking lot and begin walking towards the mountain. In the summer, you'll see a quote from John Muir on a staircase that leads to the trail. In the winter, expect the staircase to be covered in snow. Proceed to the trail markers and follow the trail for Skyline Trail. If you find yourself on the trail to Alta Vista, fear not. The two trails will both converge before you reach your destination. At the 1.5 mile mark, you'll see a fork in the trail with Glacier Vista to the left and Skyline to the right. The route to the left will flatten out as you reach your destination.

Listen for the sounds of thunder as the glacier settles and breaks apart. If you are feeling up to it, the Glacier Vista trail reconnects with Skyline trail and continues up the mountain towards Panorama Point before looping around and back to the parking lot. Otherwise, head back down the way you came, following signs for Paradise.

Short Walk: 1.5 miles, 700 feet elevation gain.

Gem Type: Viewpoint