Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek, White River — Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021

Ran the Palisades Loop.  Went up Little Ranger side first and ended with the White River Trail.  

The entire loop was gloriously dry- no running water, no mud!

The trail up to Little Ranger viewpoint (2.5 miles from TH) is in great condition, no downed trees, no ice, no erosion.  Nice running grade.

Past the lookout to the ridge, the trail has a layer of ice covered with dirt and pine needles.  We didn’t need spikes but had to go a little slower.  Also, some of the switchbacks are eroded so I started using my poles for extra protection. This was the only stretch with ice and erosion- about 2 miles.

Once on the ridge, there are a lot of downed dead trees from the recent wind, and we slowed down to a crawl to navigate around the blow downs stepping though tall dry grass and dried beargrass.  The wind was howling and it was quite cold (temps in the upper 40s but with wind chill).  I legit wanted to turn around and just run back the same way we came, but my husband assured me that the blow downs are probably just isolated to the unprotected ridge line.  

I am glad we continued because as soon as we got out of the skyline, there were no more downed trees.  Also, the landscape was very interesting with more unobstructed views of Rainier, lots of cliff-like features, and large rock wall features.  

South Snoquera Point area has lots of fall colors!  This section of the trail is very rocky and steep.  

Running the White River trail along Dallas Creek is lush, green, and rainforesty.  Really fun to watch the changes in terrain and environments during this loop.

Saw elk running down the steep forest side, bear poop, and lots of birds.  

There were about 2 cars in the lot when we started at 9am.  Same when we returned at 12:30!

13.7 miles and 3,500 gain.