Snoquera Falls Loop, Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020

From Camp Sheppard I hiked up to Snoquera Falls (picture 1) using the southern half of the loop. This trail is in great shape. There was no snow, just some ice on the crossing of Snoquera Creek under the falls. I took the White River trail (2 easy blowdowns) south to the Ranger Creek trail and took it up to the viewpoint (picture 2) 2.5 miles up (at about 3900'). The last 1/4 mile up had a dusting of snow, there is so little, nobody would think of putting on traction. This whole route is sharply angled towards the southwest, it gets a lot of sun (delightful). There are many old-growth trees on the way to the falls. Much of the White River and Ranger Creek trails are lined with thick moss. I started early and didn't see any other people until I was back at the trailhead.  I spooked a herd of elk in the woods, they scared me more than I scared them, I didn't see them and was fairly close when they bolted (they are huge animals!).