Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek, Palisades — Friday, May. 2, 2014

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

I took the Snoquera Palisades trail, hoping that if snow conditions permitted I would go all the way to Ranger Shelter and make a loop by returning on Ranger Creek trail. I parked at the Camp Sheppard lot, figuring that it would be about halfway between the two trailheads. I hiked up to the White River trail (#1199), then turned left and hiked about 1.3 miles to the junction with the Palisades Trail (#1198). I had stopped at the Enumclaw Ranger Station to ask about trail conditions, and had been told that the trail was in good condition and snow-free at least up to the second overlook. That proved to be accurate. Although the section to just above the falls is fairly steep – about 700 feet gain in a little over a mile – the only obstacle was the first stream crossing, where the rushing spring thaw made all the rocks wet and slippery. Trekking poles were useful here. From here the trail zig-zags up next to the falls, providing several great views before reaching the steps – about two dozen rough wooden steps leading to near the top of the ledge. Beyond this, there is a bridge with a few loose planks, but it’s perfectly safe if you’re careful. Past that bridge, the trail leads gently through a forest to the first overlook, at about 2 miles from the trailhead (or over 3 miles from my Camp Sheppard parking lot). You get a good look over the White River Valley here. But another 1.3 miles of gradual uphill hiking takes you to the second overlook, where you begin to see Mt. Rainier poking its head over the opposite ridge. I proceeded another 1½ miles to the third overlook, with a much better view of Mt. Rainier. There was some snow on one portion of this section, beginning about 4150 elevation, although it was spotty and easily navigable. After enjoying lunch on the rocky outcropping, I decided to push on to see if I could reach the Shelter. It was farther than I expected – another 2 miles – and the snow soon got heavier. There were faint boot tracks to follow, but the trail was often obscure. I was glad I had microspikes. You could probably manage it without them, but it wouldn’t be easy. Nearing the Shelter, the snow was close to a foot deep in places, and I postholed several times. With all the snow and the routefinding, it took another 1½ hours to reach the Shelter. I had spent 4½ hours on the trail and had covered 7.9 miles and gained over 2600 feet elevation. Running late, I immediately started down the Ranger Creek Trail (#1197), which was likewise covered with a foot or so of snow. Here there were more recent bootprints, although they didn’t always follow the trail. In one place they led straight down an open slope – I was glad I was following them down, not up! After dropping about 500 feet, though, the snow soon gave out, and the rest of the trail was uneventful, with the exception of one massive log blocking the trail. Upon reaching the junction with the White River Trail, I was chagrined to find that I still had nearly another 2 miles of up and down to reach my car back at Camp Sheppard. The weather was sunny and mild for the entire trip. I suspect in a few more weeks most of the snow will be gone, all the way to the Shelter. The entire loop was 13.7 miles, with a cumulative elevation gain of 2760 feet.