Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek — Sunday, Jun. 23, 2019

First - we had a tough time finding this trail on WTA. We did 10 miles RT and approx 2700 feet of elevation gain.
We hiked from the Ranger Creek trailhead the spot where we thought the shelter would be. Unfortunately, the Norse Peak fire took the shelter. The guidebook we had (Day Hiking Mt. Rainier 2nd Edition) mentions the shelter, but heads up -it is gone. All that's left of it are some metal rods and bolts.

From the trailhead to the viewpoint, it is a pretty easy trail. Good tread, and a gentle climb. The trail goes through a lush, green forest. Above the viewpoint, after about a half-mile or so of hiking, you enter an area scorched by the Norse Peak fire. Lots of dead and dying trees. The upper sections of the trail have a few slippery sections - watch your footing, especially on switchbacks. This trail is popular with mountain bikers, who have left damage on the upper portion of the trail. We saw several groups of bikers, but no other hikers. The bikers were great - gave us advance warning, and were very friendly.