I'm surprised the description says 'infrequently visited' but maybe it's the 12-mile distance. I parked on the wide shoulder on the east side of the road a mile and a half past Camp Sheppard. There's a short spur that takes you to the White River Trail and trail sign. It's 1/4 mile to the Little Ranger Peak Trail and you can do an easy 6-mile round-trip to the viewpoint and back like me if that's more within your wheelhouse. The best part was Buck Creek Trail parking was packed while I saw no one.
The trail is an easy grade with long switchbacks that led through some of the most magnificent trees I've seen in a while. Snow started around 3200 ft. and became continuous around 3600 ft. It was soft snow and never more than 2-4 inches. Traction was not necessary, and I gave my back a break by leaving my poles in my pack as well.
Lots of deer tracks on the trail and what appeared to be fairly recent bear prints around the lookout. From the top viewpoint there's a rib with sharp drop-offs that led to a lower viewpoint with views of Mutton Mountain and High Dalles Point. I took my pack off, climbed over the top knob and scooted down on my fanny, but easily climbed back up. Proceed with caution though if you decide to do it. The hand and foot holds weren't big. I also checked out the ridge running west, but the views didn't improve, and I wasn't about to climb the outcrop there. Great day to be outside.
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