From the trailhead to Little Ranger Peak Viewpoint (3 miles), the trail is predominantly in older timber and in great condition. I only ran into 1 other hiker today. The trail started off clear of any snow for the first ½ mile. After that, there was a dusting of snow on the forest floor, but none on the trail. Then at 1 mile (2800’), the trail also had snow, but it was at a maximum of ⅛ of an inch and not compact. Also, the ground was not frozen. The trail stayed this way for the final mile to the viewpoint trail sign at 3000’. Going left and up on the trail will take you to the viewpoint and going right will allow you to continue to Little Ranger Peak Summit and also connect you to The Dalles Ridge Trail and The Palisades Trail. I headed to the viewpoint first where the skies cleared enough to get a few decent pictures and then retraced my steps to the trail sign so I could continue to the summit. The snow increased in depth from ⅛ of an inch to about 1 ½ feet the further up I went. The snow was powdery but wet, with a crust formed on top. After 1 mile, there is a fallen tree 2 feet in diameter across the trail. Going over it, in snow, was a pain. I recommend trying to find a way around until it gets cleared. At one point, I put on my snowshoes to make the snow slog more manageable. My footprints were the only human tracks on this part of the trail... but not the only tracks. It was neat to see the tracks of elk, raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel and know they are also utilizing this trail to get from one area to another. ^_^ Unfortunately, after about 2 miles from the viewpoint, I decided to turn around and start my descent back to the trailhead. At 4800’, the weather was starting to change into conditions for snow. There was also a few 45 degree snow slopes across the trail that looked unstable due to recent rain and refreezing. Even the animals didn't make their tracks in this area! Better to be safe than sorry, right? Since there are at least 3 routes to the the summit of Little Ranger Peak, I think next time I’ll try going back via The Palisades Trail and cut across.

the directions in the davy hiking snoqualmie region are wrong. the real trail head is a small pull off just before the buck creek sign. if you hit the white river enterance youve gone too far. perfect day, 1 tree to climb over , great view of the white river valley. saw 2 guys on mountain bikes.

After reading a recent trip report of this trail, I decided I must try it. We arrived at the trailhead at 9am(Buck Creek parking lot, walked left up HWY 410 for a short way and spotted trail across the HWY.) We were the first ones and the only ones on the trail the whole way up and down. Could the lack of water falls, alpine lakes, plentiful wild flowers keep the crowds away. If so, how nice. The trail is in great condition. No blow-downs, no mud, no water,no bugs, very few rocks or roots to trip over. Just an easy grade up, with some switch backs. A nice, uncomplicated walk in the woods with a view at the top. I am sure it is even better on a perfectly clear day, but the sun made an appearance and there was some clearing. This trail is not far from Snoquera falls and it looks like a loop hike can be made connecting these two trails if a waterfall is a must. I will have to save that for another day when I have more time.

We parked at the Buck Creek lot and walked across 410 and went left about 200 yards to the trail. The trail is in great shape. It's a gentle grade on soft ground with very few rocks or roots making it a nice walk. There was no snow on the trail and the snow on the branches on the upper part was melting fast. Clouds blocked the view of Mount Rainier but it was still pretty.

Vickie and I decided this would be a good moderate, higher elevation hike with no snow pack on the trail that would not be crowded even on the Friday before the Labor Day Weekend. Actually, finding and getting on the trail were the biggest problems. We parked at Buck Creek (It’s on the right if you are coming from Enumclaw just after you pass mile marker 54.) and scrambled up the bank to the trail which is just opposite the highway from the Buck Creek entrance. I wouldn’t recommend this since the scramble is steep, difficult and is not part of the trail. A better option, if you park at Buck Creek like we did, is to take a left after walking from the parking area across the bridge to hwy 410, then up the highway a short distance and use an access trail on your right that is visible from the road. There is no sign to mark the trail. Once you are on the main trail it’s well defined and easy to follow. It parallels the road for a short distance then follows the creek for a half mile or so before turning sharply to the left at a trail junction sign. From here a series of well graded switchbacks will take you to the top of the ridge. A short side trail to the left takes you out to the peak. The views of Rainier and the White River valley are good but partially blocked by trees. If you scramble to the top of the rock peak views are no better and there is no good place to sit. There is a flat exposed point below the rock peak that looked like it might afford unobstructed views but you can only reach this by risking life and limb on the steep approaches on either side of the peak. We didn’t go to the point. We weren’t disappointed in this hike. It provided the solitude we were looking for. We only saw two other hikers, a man and his son with their dog. We did see mountain bikers but they were all courteous and not barreling down the mountain at breakneck speed. A quiet, relaxing hike with only the sounds of the forest. From the road to Little Ranger Peak: 2 hours Trip down: 1.5 hours Age of hikers: both 61