Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Saturday, Apr. 20, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

One tree down at the beginning of the trail (still) at the first switchback, but there is a cut trail allowing the switchback and fallen tree to be avoided. Trail clear and beautiful, with only a patch or two of snow to navigate. Beyond Ranger Viewpoint, 5 additional switchbacks can be navigated snow free, but snow gets deep at about 3,900' (according to my Garmin). Last 1,000' to the top won't be clear likely until early May, like in 2012. On May 15, 2012, we did the entire loop (Ranger/Pallisades) and there was still snow for about .5 miles from the Cabin to the edge of the Pallisades trail. On 4/20/13 no wildflowers or budding of trees yet, but beautiful nonetheless. LOTS of Elk pellets the entire route, and Grouse drumming the whole way up.