Palisades, Noble Knob & Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Saturday, Jul. 6, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Followed the White River 50 trail run first 1/2 course + Noble Knob. Palisades trail going up is in great shape with stellar views as always. Only hit a few patches of snow above the ranger cabin and they will be gone in a week. Wildflowers galore, including bear grass, glacier lilies, lupine and more. Went along the ridge to Corral Pass and then turned around. The views were spectacular! Don't forget your camera. Important to note that the gate is closed to drive up to Corral Pass so don't try to get to Noble Knob trail this way just yet. However, bikers were coming up and said the road looked clear and ready to open so it shouldn't be long. There are no blow downs at all! Then went out to see Noble Knob. There is no trail sign but the tree at the switchback where the sign used to be still has bolts in it so that will be your confirmation. the Noble Knob trail splits 3 ways and we took the middle one to the top. I think the lower one might go to the knob that is further out. Great place for lunch. On the return we took the Ranger Creek trail down from the Ranger Cabin. Long (really long) switch-backing downhill all in the shade. Saw a few more mountain bikes, more of them out than hikers today.