Palisades, Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Began the trek at the Palisades Trailhead, they have done trail work and cleared some blowdowns and made some passeable. After surviving the switchbacks , you arrive at the staircase and continue on to viewpoint one shortly after. The views are stunning! Viewpoint 2 follows shortly after and will equally please! Continue through to viewpoint 3, passing wildflowers, huckleberries, magical forests on your way. At this viewpoint you can watch helicopters fly below you at ranger creek airport. Very cool. Continue on the trail, dipping back I to the shades forest and continue until you reach Ranger Creek Shelter (pic). We did hear some howling, I am hopeful it was domestic dogs... Bugs were a bit pesky here as we ate lunch. Follow the signs and head down Ranger Creek Trail. I was worries about the condition of this trail, but it is very clear and passeable. One wiped out tree where you need to kind of take your time on the slippery dirt and that is it. Lits of mushrooms and switchbacks here. Mostly shaded hike and only encountered one other person. A mountain biker, to him, I hope you beat your friend to the shelter!