Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

From the trailhead to Little Ranger Peak Viewpoint (3 miles), the trail is predominantly in older timber and in great condition. I only ran into 1 other hiker today. The trail started off clear of any snow for the first ½ mile. After that, there was a dusting of snow on the forest floor, but none on the trail. Then at 1 mile (2800’), the trail also had snow, but it was at a maximum of ⅛ of an inch and not compact. Also, the ground was not frozen. The trail stayed this way for the final mile to the viewpoint trail sign at 3000’. Going left and up on the trail will take you to the viewpoint and going right will allow you to continue to Little Ranger Peak Summit and also connect you to The Dalles Ridge Trail and The Palisades Trail. I headed to the viewpoint first where the skies cleared enough to get a few decent pictures and then retraced my steps to the trail sign so I could continue to the summit. The snow increased in depth from ⅛ of an inch to about 1 ½ feet the further up I went. The snow was powdery but wet, with a crust formed on top. After 1 mile, there is a fallen tree 2 feet in diameter across the trail. Going over it, in snow, was a pain. I recommend trying to find a way around until it gets cleared. At one point, I put on my snowshoes to make the snow slog more manageable. My footprints were the only human tracks on this part of the trail... but not the only tracks. It was neat to see the tracks of elk, raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel and know they are also utilizing this trail to get from one area to another. ^_^ Unfortunately, after about 2 miles from the viewpoint, I decided to turn around and start my descent back to the trailhead. At 4800’, the weather was starting to change into conditions for snow. There was also a few 45 degree snow slopes across the trail that looked unstable due to recent rain and refreezing. Even the animals didn't make their tracks in this area! Better to be safe than sorry, right? Since there are at least 3 routes to the the summit of Little Ranger Peak, I think next time I’ll try going back via The Palisades Trail and cut across.