After reading MA3333's report, we decided to try to find the gnome plant seen on their loop hike. Thanks to their replies we were able to find their plant plus 12 more! We began our hike at the TH between MP 54 on HY 410 and the entrance to the Buck Creek Area. We began the hike on the White River Trail. In 0.2 mile we reached the Ranger Creek Trail. I hiked 3 miles and gained 1700 feet and Bob went 1/2 mile farther gaining 2000 feet. The elevation gain is gradual with long switchbacks. The trail was shaded which was nice on this hot day. We met 3 pair of mountain bikers coming down the trail plus two single bikers who were coming up as we were nearing the TH on our return. This is a popular mountain bike trail. We saw one trail runner, but no other hikers. We saw over 30 candy stick plants in varying stages of growth (more than we have ever seen on a trail), 12 or more gnome plants and many bog orchids past their prime. It would have been good to have been on the trail 2-3 weeks ago when the plants were at their prime. Maybe next year! :)!

Began the trek at the Palisades Trailhead, they have done trail work and cleared some blowdowns and made some passeable. After surviving the switchbacks , you arrive at the staircase and continue on to viewpoint one shortly after. The views are stunning! Viewpoint 2 follows shortly after and will equally please! Continue through to viewpoint 3, passing wildflowers, huckleberries, magical forests on your way. At this viewpoint you can watch helicopters fly below you at ranger creek airport. Very cool. Continue on the trail, dipping back I to the shades forest and continue until you reach Ranger Creek Shelter (pic). We did hear some howling, I am hopeful it was domestic dogs... Bugs were a bit pesky here as we ate lunch. Follow the signs and head down Ranger Creek Trail. I was worries about the condition of this trail, but it is very clear and passeable. One wiped out tree where you need to kind of take your time on the slippery dirt and that is it. Lits of mushrooms and switchbacks here. Mostly shaded hike and only encountered one other person. A mountain biker, to him, I hope you beat your friend to the shelter!

This was a long trail run starting the Ranger Creek camping area across the White River. We followed the White River trail to #1198 which I am not positive of the name but it didn't come up on the list. This trail climbs steadily, including a staircase, past the falls and to some amazing views over the palisades to Mt Rainier and the airstrip below. From the Ranger Creek Cabin, we continued up 1173 to intersect with the Nobel Knob trail (1184) to Corral Pass. The wildflowers are still on strong, but no berries in this section. The trail is in great shape. From Corral Pass we took the Greenwater Trail 1176 down along the river to Echo Lake and beyond. From the lake on the trail rolls gently down. This trail has a few downed trees but overall in fine shape and shady. We somehow missed the intersection with 1186 so it might not be that evident. Right after a big bridge we filled our water and took the intersection up towards Noble Knob on 1185. This trail is far less travelled but no issues. There were some huckleberries along the way but not many. It climbs steadily past lovely Lost Lake and towards the top has some amazing views. It then pops out into the open and wraps around Noble Knob. At the next intersection it is just .4 up to the Knob viewpoint and totally worth the side trip for the 360 degree views. After some pictures, we headed back down 1173 then behind the ranger cabin to descend the Ranger Creek trail. There is one big washout on that trail about a mile or so down and a little tricky to get around but doable. It goes down switchbacks for what feels like forever then comes out back on the White River trail right where we started. ~38 mile loop.

I wanted to post a quick note about this trail, as there have been no updates since May from hikers. The trail from 410 up to the outcrop is in terrific shape: no downed trees etc. The problem is the small walk from the trail to the rock. At least 4 downed trees, the first really being a serious obstacle. You can get around it if you just go back down the trail a little bit and climb up behind the first downed tree, and then walk over the ridge to the trail.

What a father's Day treat! Hiked this with my two sons (12 & 14) along with friends. Got there late as had difficulty finding the trail-head. We finally had to stop and ask for help. Despite the late arrival and beautiful weather, we encountered only 3 other hikers on the trail and a couple of mountain bike parties. We stopped for lunch at the scenic view. Had some difficulty finding the trail to the overlook as the trail is blocked by blow downs. This is a truly beautiful hike through shaded old growth. With the exception of a couple of spots where blow downs have wiped out the trail, the trail is in beautiful condition. For most of the hike, you encounter long switchbacks. As you approach the shelter, the switchbacks become shorter and steeper. You'll find most of the problematic portions of the trail as you approach the shelter. Some scrambling is required. Will definitely do this one again.