We were hoping to see a wildflower display along Dalles Ridge today, but they're not fully out yet--at least along the start of the ridge. We saw some flowers, which I'll list below, but not the usual blast of glacier lilies and lupine. I suspect we were either a little too early (they're still buried under snow as you approach the junction with Noble Nob) or we just didn't hike far enough along the ridge (we only hiked about 1/4 mile along the ridge before the heat convinced us to chill out in the shade and eat lunch). For those of you interested in the approach to Noble Nob from the Ranger Creek trail side, a  couple of trail runners reported to us that they ran into snow and were unable to get there today. Here's what we did see and experience:

First, trail conditions: we encountered no snow all the way to the ridge (well, a tiny patch near where the Ranger Peak and Dalles trails meet). There were no trees down. The only obstacle lies in the switchbacks between the Little Ranger viewpoint (2.85 miles up from the Hwy. 410 pull-out parking area) and the junction with the Palisades trail (at 4.85 miles up). The end of switchback 8 is where the rock-n-roll begins. No, not Jimi Hendrix, but loose dirt and small rocks punctuating some steep switchbacks. Don't wear your skateboarding kicks. Otherwise, smooth sailing. We gained roughly 3000 feet in 6 miles, so it's a decent workout.

Flora, fauna and humanoids today: wildflowers included pioneer violets, spring beauties, some trillium, either pinesap or candystick, and some five-petaled pale purple flowers that were abundant and gorgeous but which I could not find in my flower book. We also saw quite a few saplings that have finally begun to take root after the 2017 Norse Peak fire, which devastated vast swaths of forest in this area (see pics). Animal life included several chipmunks, two deer, and some flying ants. Mosquitoes enjoyed nibbling on my shoulders, though they weren't too oppressive. We encountered six docile humans, two of whom were trail runners. The trail is used by many bikers (explaining the condition of the switchbacks), but we saw none today.

Highlights: the views of Tahoma/Rainier from Dalles Ridge are gorgeous. Also, it's a quiet trail, if it's peace and solitude you're after. The trail from the Palisades junction to the ridge is especially pleasant--trail in great condition and views excellent. Speaking of Palisades, trail crews have indeed cleared the brush from the area approaching the junction from the Palisades side. Thank you to the folks who did this! Happy and safe hiking, Everyone!

Shared the trail today with the SISU 24 Ultra PNW event. We were made aware of the event from mcguire_ep's report 2 days ago and we contemplated sharing the trail, but eventually decided to go. It was fun seeing people doing an organized event for which they obviously enjoy. Saw about 18 ultra runners, as well as 5 hikers, and 2 bikers.

Found a spot along 410 with 4 other cars and headed out around noon and although it was in the 80s and bright, we knew we'd be under at least partial cover for most of the hike. Doused ourselves in Picaradin and sunglasses and headed up. A lot of work has been done since our last trip in Feb. The trail is completely clear of obstructions up to Palisades. It's a dry trek, but the tread is forgiving. A couple trickling creeks along the way if you need water or just a cold splash. We got lucky and had a breeze to accommodate us on the ascent. Not a lot to see along the way except to admire the solitude, save for the aforementioned runners. 

Reached the Palisades junction and saw a work crew - Evergeen MTB - possibly. Took Palisades for about 0.4 miles, but could not get a clear view of Rainier. This section had a lot of downed trees and the crew said they were going there next. Headed back down and the breeze we had earlier was gone and it was warm! Back to the car to change and it was only there I got 4 bites - the rest of the hike was bug free.

Parked at the trail head for Snoquera Falls (Camp Shepard). The restroom is in good shape.

I did the Palisades - Ranger Peak loop in clockwise direction. Leaving the parking lot, I headed up to White River trail and went left. After a mile or so, I reached the Palisades trail. There is a stream crossing that may look a little scary, but rocks are nicely placed in the stream. With a little care and the use of a pole for balance, the Dalles Creek was not hard to Cross.

Another half mile up the trail is the base of Dalles Falls. The very short side trail is well worth the visit. Following the falls, continued on up to the stairs. Following the stairs and a few steep switch backs, I crossed the Dalles Creek on a 2 x 8 board.

The trail heads to the first of several viewpoints. After the 3rd viewpoint, the trail runs along the ridge line. After reaching Little Ranger Peak, I entered the burn zone. Between Little Ranger Pean and the junction with Ranger Creek trail (where the old cabin once sat), there are many downed small trees. I took my saw along and cleared many of the branches to make it better. There is still a lot of work to do in this section.

All the downed trees on the Ranger Creek trail have been cleared. Looks like the cutting just happened today. i did hike down Ranger Creek trail, stopping briefly at Little Ranger viewpoint.

My hike was 13.5 miles and about 2800 feet total altitude ascent, per my gaia gps tracker

Thanks to the excellent May 22nd report by Bike-n-Hike, and comments by imadethisupforthis, we started today's hike with a good idea of where we might run into snow or other obstacles: circa the Little Ranger Peak/Palisades junction and some north-facing switchbacks. I am happy to report that the snow has nearly melted out, and that poles and careful footing were all that was needed in the few places where compact snow still lingers. The two places where there's still some minor snow are just beyond the junction (soft snow, see pic) and on a couple of north-facing switchbacks about 1.5 miles down Palisades (approx. 1 ft deep, compact)--well below the ridge. You can just walk atop it. More challenging is the "tanglewood" atop the ridge, within about 1/2 a mile of the junction (see pic), where dry, spindly, brushy downed trees necessitate some guerilla hiking tactics--creeping carefully through, so as not to poke your eyes out. All easy enough, just took a few extra minutes. (Unfortunately, we weren't carrying a little handsaw or pruning shears or anything). Otherwise, there are a few blowdowns along the circuit, all of the throw-your-legs-over variety.

Our route: Parked at Camp Sheppard, took the White River Trail to the Palisades junction; hiked up Palisades to the junction with Little Ranger trail, then down to meet the other end of the White River trail, and back to the car. RT about 15 miles, elevation gain roughly 2800 feet. Took us about 7 hours of hiking, though we took our time; after Edelman's tumble a couple weeks ago, we're looking at areas of erosion or rockslides a bit more warily. Speaking of which, there are a few places to note. Heading up Palisades, before the staircase (so, early on in the hike), there's one short area of trail erosion which you'll want to be sure to step well across (as opposed to on). Looks eerily similar to where Edelman fell on the Carbon River trail. Then, on the Little Ranger trail, there are several switchbacks that could seriously use restoration. They are steep and slippery with loose rock and dirt.

Highlights of the hike: we enjoy the variety on the trail, as you hike up through vine leaf maple and fir, catch awesome views of Dalles Falls, and climb up the steep staircase to the top pf the falls. From there, the forest is super peaceful, and there's a long, gentle hike through the woods. Soon, the viewpoints, I call them promontories begin. There are six of them on the way to the junction with Little Ranger, and each one provides a sweeping, if vertiginous view of the White River valley and Mt. Rainier across the way. Yesterday we had a terrific view (see pic). In a few weeks, the rocky outcroppings on these promontories will be abloom with paintbrush and penstemon, maybe some balsam root or aster, lupine. Right now, there are only a few lone paintbrush out on this stretch. Nearing the junction, Little Ranger Peak is a cool area, with its rock formations and views towards Norse Peak. All around you, near and far, you can see stark evidence of the 2017 Norse Peak burn. Hiking down Little Ranger, you'll see a number of Pacific Yew trees, as well as some nice old growth cedar and Doug fir. We saw some trillium on this stretch today. Pioneer violets throughout the hike.

Upshot: great hike for its physicality and varied landscape. Happy hiking, Everyone!

Did the Ranger Creek - Palisades loop today on a perfect weather day!  We were not at all sure if we'd be able to get up onto the ridge that runs to Ranger Peak.  Snow has melted off up to about 4600 feet, which is right where the final switchbacks start that deliver you to the ridge top.  From there the snow is still filling the trailbed in many places.  We nearly turned around but a combination of microspikes, poles, and careful slow foot placement worked out and we persevered to the ridge top.  Even after the snow melts, this section could really use some help to re-establish the benching.

We met one trail runner coming the other way (from Palisades TH) and a snowshoer.  We found spikes to be enough.  Ridge had about 3' of snow left on it and we postholed just a few times.  Once the trail goes into the shady north side behind the ridge, the snow gets very icy and spikes were essential.

Beautiful views on this day from all the viewpoints as we headed gently down to the Palisades trail where we had left a second car.

Just a handful of blowdowns all day.  Sawyers have been up to the little Ranger peak lookout on the Ranger Creek trail.