This beautiful loop takes you through moss-blanketed forest to cliff-edge vistas, over rushing streams, and down through a steep rock garden past bridal veil falls. Thanks to the mild sunny weather and nearly non-existent snowpack (more on that below), it felt more like April, May, or even June than January! We started from the White River Trailhead which is basically a small pulloff on the side of the road about 29 miles up Highway 410 from Enumclaw. (No toilets or sign on the highway that I could see.) Starting on the White River Trail, and then turning left at the junction onto the Ranger Creek Trail, you ascend gently through the forest. There is a beautiful wooden shelter at the junction with the Palisades Trail. We turned left there and continued to a beautiful viewpoint that looks out to the top of Rainier. From here the trail starts to descend, and then hugs the top of the Palisades cliffs, offering more beautiful vistas. Eventually we reached a steep staircase near Dalles Falls and descended tight switchbacks through what felt like a giant rock garden. The falls were running pretty strong - nothing was frozen. This is the only truly steep section of the route. Once you reach the junction with the White River Trail, it's a fairly flat stroll past Camp Sheppard (Boy Scouts camp) and back to the car. On the Ranger Creek side, we encountered a little snow and ice above 4500'. The snow continued a short ways on the descent down the Palisades Trail and there was a tiny section (100 yards or so) where the depth was more like 2-3 feet., We didn't need traction devices or gaiters but poles were helpful. Snow reappeared around 4100' through one of the creek valleys (where we resupplied our water) and the flat clearcut area. The trails were generally dry and in good condition though there was a fair amount of debris on the trail bed from prior windstorms. There are a few recent blowdowns. The biggest is on the White River Trail about 100 yards from the trailhead - maybe 3 feet in diameter but it is fairly easy to climb up and over. There is one other large blowdown on the Palisades Trail near the shelter and a 2-3 more small ones within 1-2 miles after that. The decking on the puncheon bridges over the creeks (2 on Palisades, I think, and 1 on White River) are showing their age. The trails we hiked are open to hikers and mountain bikes but this time of year it looks like elk are the primary users! Only ran into three hiking parties all day including GregHiker, who also posted a trip report, and WTA member Jim. We saw tracks from a couple of bikes but no one riding today. I would say that the Palisades Trail (up top along the cliffs as well as the Dalles Falls area) was definitely the highlight of the day, but it's always more interesting to do a loop than an out-and-back. There is a big network of trails in this area so consult a map to scout different options. I estimate that our loop was about 14 miles and 2500' gain; the route took just over 6 hours including lunch. Note that the mileage and elevation gain on Little Ranger Peak hiking guide entry will not get you to the junction with the Palisades Trail and the viewpoint below 5010' -- add another 2+ miles and 1000' (or so) to get there.

This is the first time we have hiked this trail and it was a surprising treat for a mid-winter hike. We went to escape the persistent fog in Seattle and ended up hiking in blue skies and sunshine. We hit the trail just before 10 a.m. and were surprised at the few people we encountered for a Saturday (although the drive up was pretty heavy with all the skiers). The trail was in excellent condition, only one blown-down to traverse, and not muddy at all. The moderate ascent makes this an easy hike, while the foliage along the way, frequent views of Ranger Creek and the view from the top were incredible (keep a sharp eye out for the sign at the top to cut off toward the peak though or you'll walk right by it and wonder what happened). Best of all, while there was remnants of snow at the trailhead, the peak was clear and amazingly warm -- we estimate a good 20-25 degree difference between the bottom and the top!

Followed the White River 50 trail run first 1/2 course + Noble Knob. Palisades trail going up is in great shape with stellar views as always. Only hit a few patches of snow above the ranger cabin and they will be gone in a week. Wildflowers galore, including bear grass, glacier lilies, lupine and more. Went along the ridge to Corral Pass and then turned around. The views were spectacular! Don't forget your camera. Important to note that the gate is closed to drive up to Corral Pass so don't try to get to Noble Knob trail this way just yet. However, bikers were coming up and said the road looked clear and ready to open so it shouldn't be long. There are no blow downs at all! Then went out to see Noble Knob. There is no trail sign but the tree at the switchback where the sign used to be still has bolts in it so that will be your confirmation. the Noble Knob trail splits 3 ways and we took the middle one to the top. I think the lower one might go to the knob that is further out. Great place for lunch. On the return we took the Ranger Creek trail down from the Ranger Cabin. Long (really long) switch-backing downhill all in the shade. Saw a few more mountain bikes, more of them out than hikers today.

I've been waiting for the snow to melt to attempt Little Ranger Peak again... Today was a success! What an amazing day! As the previous trip report mentioned, snow starts above 4000 feet. It is solid, with no trace of avalanche danger. I did encounter 2 burly tree issues, but as I decended, I came upon a few people clearing these problems up. THANK YOU! Snow continued up to the shelter and ridgeline, but was melted off at the summit. Scored a 4-point deer antler at the base of the summit... which is now risiding in the hands of a happy 5 year old. Amazing view of Mt. Rainer! Oh, and I only needed waterproof boots and poles for the trek! ^_^

Some pictures from today's hike: http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbandisturbance/sets/72157633414985597/with/8713495538/ Ok, I liked this hike, but I gotta say the directions in the description are a little confusing. The White River Trailhead isn't signposted anywhere. Instead it's Buck Creek you gotta look out for. Here you can park and then cross the road to find the trailhead. It's basically all switchbacks through the forest. At 2.6 miles you get to the Little Ranger Peak viewpoint. It's a good spot for a rest and maybe lunch but the views aren't that amazing (see pictures). From there Dalles Ridge is signposted at 3 miles. Looking at the map it seems at Dalles Ridge you got various option to connect with other trails. I went on another mile and ahalf or so after the viewpoint (more switchbacks) until I ran into snow, then turned around. The trail climbs pretty gently, so good for early season out of shape hiking :-) No problems at all on the trail until the snow starts. All in all this was a good workout on a sunny day but there are hardly any good views. I'd love to do this one again later in the year and catch one of the connecting trails, might be a good backpacking option.