Hiking buddy, Ron, and I paid a first-time visit to the Ranger Creek trail, spending a worthwhile day climbing up to catch the splendid views on the summit of Ranger Peak. Our trek was made all the more pleasant and uplifting by the sunny skies and balmy temperatures that prevailed all day.
Passage on the bare trail was quick and easy except for occasional fallen trees which were easy to step over. We paid a quick visit to the viewpoint at 3850 feet. Beyond 4350 feet, snow covered the ground. We continued our upward traverse following the barely perceptible contours of the trail and numerous deer and elk tracks. By this time, we had put on microspikes which were ideal traction aid for the dense, supportive snow. (We found one lost microspike on the way up and another on the way down. We left both hanging on stumps next to the trail). As we neared the top of the ridge, the forest acquired the eerie signature of the 2017 Norse Peak fire.
Three hours had elapsed when we arrived at the top of the ridge and the junction with the Palisades trail. After a quick break, we headed southwest through the open, burnt out forest on untracked snow. Though it caught more sunlight, the snow on the ridge remained dense and supportive, and travel across its surface was quick and easy. In less than an hour, we scampered up to the summit for a 30 minute immersion in breathtaking views.
On our return trip, we saved ourselves nearly two miles by taking three off-trail jaunts down the slope. We saw just one person at the end of our day. This hike is about 10 miles round trip and 2600 feet of elevation gain. Regarding the trailhead, (this is written for those who haven’t been here yet), there’s no prominent sign on Hwy 410 so it can be hard to find. Coming from Enumclaw, about 500 feet before the Ranger Airport road, you can see a small sign 60 feet uphill on the north side of Hwy 410. A social trail runs from the highway up to the trail. When you get to the sign, it will indicate you’re on the White River trail. An arrow points right towards the Ranger Creek trail 1/4 mile away.
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