Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Friday, Jan. 24, 2014

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

My wife and I did the nearly 12 miles round trip to the "true" Little Ranger Peak. We had a beautiful day - the weather was warm and had clear skies. There was no snow on lower 6 miles round trip section, though encountered some patches on our way to the shelter (gators and a hiking pole were helpful but not absolutely necessary). Once we got to the shelter, the last 1 mile trail to the peak was almost entirely clear of snow. In all, the hike has a nice gradual climb the whole way up. It was also excellent for solitude as we only encountered two other small parties.