Best Hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park on the Nisqually Side
The Nisqually side of Mount Rainier National Park offers some of the most iconic and accessible hiking in the park — from gentle forest walks to high-reward alpine routes.
For guests staying near Ashford, and especially those using Fjellsangin as their base, hiking on the Nisqually side allows you to experience Mount Rainier without long drives or overpacked days. Trailheads are close, conditions are easier to monitor, and it’s simple to return to the cabin to rest or adjust plans as the weather shifts.
Below are some of the best hikes on the Nisqually side, organized by difficulty and experience style.
Nisqually Vista Loop (Easy, Arrival-Day Friendly)
Distance: ~1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~200 feet
The Nisqually Vista Loop is one of the most approachable hikes near the Nisqually Entrance and an ideal introduction to the park.
This short loop winds through the forest before opening to meadow views of the Nisqually Glacier and Mount Rainier on clear days. Benches along the trail encourage an unhurried pace, making it well-suited for first-time visitors or recovery days.
Many Fjellsangin guests choose this trail on their first full day, pairing it with a slower afternoon back at the cabin — a rhythm we often recommend to first-time Mt. Rainier visitors looking to avoid common planning mistakes.
Comet Falls Trail (Moderate, Waterfall Reward)
Distance: ~3.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~900 feet
The hike to Comet Falls delivers one of the most dramatic waterfall experiences on the Nisqually side of the park.
A steady forest climb leads to a powerful cascade plunging down a steep cliff face, especially striking in early summer or after rainfall. It’s a satisfying half-day hike that still leaves room for rest and recovery afterward.
Because this trail is easily accessed via the Nisqually Entrance, it pairs naturally with returning to Fjellsangin for a warm shower, sauna session, or a slow evening — rather than stacking multiple hikes into one day.
Before heading out, always review current trail and road conditions at the Nisqually Entrance to account for seasonal access and weather.
Rampart Ridge Loop (Moderate, Quiet and Forested)
Distance: ~4.6 miles loop
Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet
For hikers seeking a quieter trail experience, the Rampart Ridge Loop offers solitude and shade.
This forested route provides occasional glimpses of Mount Rainier through the trees and passes through historic areas near Longmire. It’s a good option if you want steady movement without crowds or exposed alpine terrain.
Guests staying at Fjellsangin often choose Rampart Ridge on days when they want to move intentionally, knowing they can return to the cabin afterward to fully unwind — an approach that aligns closely with slow living near Mt. Rainier
Skyline Trail (Strenuous, Iconic Nisqually-Side Views)
Distance: ~5.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: ~1,700 feet
Accessed from Paradise via the Nisqually Entrance, the Skyline Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in the park.
This loop climbs above treeline, offering sweeping views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and Mount Rainier’s upper slopes. Snow can linger well into summer, and conditions can change quickly.
Many Fjellsangin guests plan Skyline as a single, focused outing — pairing the hike with a scenic drive rather than additional trails. If you’re considering this route, it’s helpful to also review our guide to scenic drives near the Nisqually Entrance of Mt. Rainier as a lower-impact alternative on changing weather days.
Trail of the Shadows (Very Easy, Interpretive)
Distance: ~0.7 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Located near Longmire, the Trail of the Shadows is a flat, interpretive loop highlighting wetlands, forest ecology, and early park history.
This trail is especially well-suited for rest days, foggy conditions, or evenings when you want to move gently before returning to the cabin.
It pairs naturally with slower exploration styles — including days when you balance short walks with scenic driving rather than committing to longer hikes.
Choosing Hikes That Match the Pace of Your Stay
One of the advantages of staying near the Nisqually Entrance — and at Fjellsangin specifically — is flexibility.
Rather than building a rigid itinerary, many guests choose:
one primary hike per day
a backup option in case of weather
time set aside to return and rest
This approach aligns with our guide for first-time Mt. Rainier visitors and helps make hiking feel restorative rather than exhausting.
Pair Hiking with Rest, Not More Activity
Hiking on the Nisqually side makes it easy to balance movement with recovery.
Guests often pair their hikes with:
scenic drives instead of a second trail
time indoors to warm up
sauna or slow evenings back at the cabin
This rhythm mirrors the slower approach explored in slow living near Mt. Rainier — allowing the mountain to set the pace.
A Thoughtful Way to Explore Mt. Rainier
The Nisqually side of Mount Rainier National Park offers hikes for many energy levels and seasons.
By staying close — and returning to Fjellsangin between outings — hiking becomes part of a more grounded experience, balancing effort with ease and exploration with rest.
That balance is often what guests remember most.
