Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Monday, May. 14, 2018

I did a short hike from 410 up Ranger Creek Trail just north of the Skookum Falls Trailhead. I was the only one on the trail on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. My goal was the peak and the trail was easy to follow and clear. The only intersection was less than half a mile from the start where the White River trail splits and you follow the sign for Ranger Creek Trail, the Palisades Trail and Dalles Ridge. It is about 1200 feet of gain to the top. It is an easy and well graded path. The peak is at about 3 miles from the start, when you come out at the ridge there is a sign pointing to the peak view. An easy scramble out on the rocks at the point leads to a beautiful view of the nearby peaks and even a glimpse of the snowy top of Rainier. I can’t wait to do the full loop with Palisades Trail later this year but no time today so I returned the way I came, a lovely jog down with the sounds of the creek to keep me company.