First - we had a tough time finding this trail on WTA. We did 10 miles RT and approx 2700 feet of elevation gain.
We hiked from the Ranger Creek trailhead the spot where we thought the shelter would be. Unfortunately, the Norse Peak fire took the shelter. The guidebook we had (Day Hiking Mt. Rainier 2nd Edition) mentions the shelter, but heads up -it is gone. All that's left of it are some metal rods and bolts.

From the trailhead to the viewpoint, it is a pretty easy trail. Good tread, and a gentle climb. The trail goes through a lush, green forest. Above the viewpoint, after about a half-mile or so of hiking, you enter an area scorched by the Norse Peak fire. Lots of dead and dying trees. The upper sections of the trail have a few slippery sections - watch your footing, especially on switchbacks. This trail is popular with mountain bikers, who have left damage on the upper portion of the trail. We saw several groups of bikers, but no other hikers. The bikers were great - gave us advance warning, and were very friendly.

We started early on this knowing it was going to take time. We started near the Buck Creek area where the trailhead is not well marked. There is a small pull out off the main road just before Buck Creek and a few small trails that lead up to the trail signs. We chose to go with the counter-clockwise direction to take advantage of the lower degree of slope (the other end is steeper). The trail itself is fantastic and there are a few blowdowns but were easy to get over or around.

We got up to the peak and followed the ridgeline down to the other end and down. We then took the trail up to Snoquera Falls. The falls were nice, but not a ton of water coming over, think we were a few weeks late.

We loved the hike and did not see many people, maybe 20 over 15.5 miles. 

I will add, there appears to be a bust in the actual trail vs what is shown on GAIA and SARTOPO when it comes to the transition from Snoquera to the White River Trail. I think there's an extra switch back in there not shown on the maps. We ended up going cross country for a small stretch and then down a finger reconnecting with the trail. Not a big deal, but not accurate. I just followed my GPS and got to where we needed to be...was kind of fun actually.

Hiked up to Little ranger peak and back down via the Palisades trail, back to the car via the Whiteriver trail in the forest. Some trees over the trail. Nice walking in the woods in the rain. The water falls were really flowing.
About 16 miles.

Very cloudy day, no long distance views really.

Parked at the Skookum Falls car park.

Began at Camp Shepard trail head and hiked up past the amphitheater. Past the amphitheater you will arrive at a Y in the trail. There is a sign for Snoquera Falls but no clear direction on which trail to pick. Stay left to go to the falls and stay to the right to connect to the Ranger Peak trail (I know, I did it wrong!) If you stay left you can still loop around but it adds a mile (make sure to take the right at the next Y in the trail or you'll land at the falls. still great!)   Assuming you stay to the right at the Y, you'll walk about 1.75 miles to the trail head for Ranger Peak. It's a beautiful forest walk through mossy forest floor with salal and at times you get a peak of Ranger Creek. Even though the hike is just off 410, it's quiet and rarely, if ever, do you hear road noise. from the TH at ranger creek it's a steady stream of switch backs but they are long and gradual and the forest scenery is lovely. arrive at the top to find a trail marker showing connectors to other paths or walk to the lookout for this trail. nice views on a clear day to Silver Queen at Crystal Mt. and a peakaboo to Mt. Rainier. Really lovely forest hike.  No snow, no hazards, great for early season.